AI tools let US startups scale with leaner teams, founder says

Eric Lauer, founder of US-based online gifting platform Giftory, said the company is integrating artificial intelligence into its hiring and operations to produce more output with a smaller core workforce. Lauer said shifting much of the operations to software-assisted processes has lowered costs and allowed employees to focus on more strategic tasks. Many early-stage US startups are incorporating software automation and generative AI into their workflows to limit staffing needs, according to sector executives. Some managers said AI enables customer support, content production and data analysis to be handled by fewer employees at the same volume. Startups that maintain leaner organizational structures in their early years have also drawn investor interest because the model helps keep unit costs under control. Platforms like Giftory are using AI not only as a cost-saving tool but also in product development and marketing strategy, aiming to compete with larger companies while operating with small teams.