Klarna CEO: Why We Left Salesforce (But You Probably Shouldn't)

Explore Klarna CEO's insightful perspective on why they chose to leave Salesforce, and why it might not be the best move for everyone.

Klarna CEO: Why We Left Salesforce (But You Probably Shouldn't)
Credit: Getty Images for TechCrunch

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski wants to set the record straight. His company's dramatic farewell to Salesforce wasn't a breakup story for the masses.

The fintech leader sparked industry buzz last September when Klarna replaced Salesforce's CRM with an in-house AI system. The move cut 700 contract jobs and saved $40 million yearly. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff raised eyebrows, questioning how Klarna handles customer data.

Now, as Klarna eyes an IPO, Siemiatkowski clarified on X.com: They didn't just plug everything into ChatGPT and call it a day. The company built its own tech stack, using Neo4j's graph database and other tools to consolidate data from various SaaS systems.

The Swedish fintech's AI transformation isn't a blueprint for others. Instead, Siemiatkowski predicts fewer SaaS players will dominate the market. These survivors will offer similar AI-powered solutions to companies that lack Klarna's resources.

Why this matters:

  • The "build vs. buy" debate gets a plot twist: Even successful DIY stories don't always travel well
  • Sometimes breaking up with your software vendor means you're the exception, not the trendsetter

Read on, my dear:

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