The Intelligence Stack (www.reloadnyc.com)

Stephen Messer, co-founder of Collective[i] and LinkShare, has outlined a transformative approach to building what he terms an "intelligence stack" for AI-first companies. Rather than relying on numerous SaaS applications, these companies should focus on integrating 8 to 10 specialized intelligences tailored to their domain. The framework distinguishes between commodity intelligence—general-purpose models for language, images, and more—and proprietary intelligence, which consists of domain-specific models that provide competitive advantages. The key takeaway is that while everyone can access commodity intelligence, proprietary models offer unique capabilities that are difficult to replicate. Messer emphasizes the speed and efficiency that an intelligence stack can bring to organizations. By consolidating tools and leveraging AI agents that seamlessly connect and execute tasks across various intelligences, companies can significantly improve their operational performance. For instance, Klarna's transition from 1,200 SaaS applications to an AI-native stack led to remarkable revenue growth and profitability. The architecture relies on well-defined agents that run on top of intelligence stacks, minimizing delays and enhancing decision-making processes—transforming AI from a mere productivity tool into a powerful creative engine that continuously improves outcomes.