AI tools drive workplace apps towards super-platform future: ClickUp CEO
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — ClickUp CEO Zeb Evans believes that the future of workplace productivity lies in using fewer platforms.
With a current valuation of $4 billion and $278.5 million in revenue in 2024, the software company aims to consolidate essential business functions—ranging from project management to chat—into one platform, combating the prevalent issue of app sprawl affecting today’s businesses.
The problem with too many apps
In an exclusive interview with Fast Company, Evans highlighted the common scenario where teams are burdened with numerous software tools, citing a report that small organizations use an average of 150+ SaaS apps. This sprawl leads to reduced productivity and alignment issues across teams.
“If your marketing team has one tool and your engineering team has another, multiply that across your company and you have a major app-sprawl problem,” Evans explained.
“The more apps your team needs to use, the more disconnected and frustrating work will be.”
AI’s role in streamlining workflows
Evan expects AI to integrate more seamlessly into daily tasks, reducing the need for multiple platforms.
“Over the next two years, we’re going to see how AI converges with the apps we use today and doesn’t require a prompt,” said Evans.
“The best teams will get a major competitive advantage by using AI to complete end-to-end tasks and projects and get full-context answers to their questions.”
Addressing transition challenges
When asked about the difficulties of transitioning to a new platform, Evans acknowledged the initial challenges but emphasized the long-term benefits.
Introducing features like chat, which offer familiarity, can ease the transition, helping teams to adapt more quickly and efficiently. “Getting rid of multiple apps in favor of one saves both time and money, so the value is crystal clear,” he remarked.
Evans’ personal drive and vision
Evans’ personal experiences have also shaped his entrepreneurial vision. Surviving multiple near-death experiences has made him acutely aware of the value of time, propelling his passion for maximizing productivity. “I’m obsessed with saving time and unlocking productivity—it’s part of our DNA and has played a huge role in my personal entrepreneur journey,” Evans shared.
With ClickUp’s continued growth and the integration of AI, Evans is steering the future toward super apps that promise to streamline business operations and enhance team collaboration across the globe.
