This case study highlights how we at Vertex Expert Network supported a global research initiative focused on understanding how deeply AI is embedded in modern business models. The study explored how AI-native companies operate when AI is not just a tool, but the foundation of their products, decisions, and day-to-day execution.
We at Vertex Expert Network conducted a targeted global study to explore how organizations built around AI function at a fundamental level.
Unlike traditional companies where AI enhances efficiency, AI-native firms are designed with AI at their core. In these organizations:
- AI directly creates customer value
- Products and services cannot function without AI
- Business performance scales with data and system learning
- AI systems are embedded in daily operations and decision-making
The objective of the study was to understand how dependent these companies are on AI, how decisions are made within such environments, and what happens when AI becomes central to the business model.
Targeted AI-Native Screening:
We at Vertex designed a highly specific screening framework to identify true AI-native organizations.
Participants were required to:
- Work in companies where AI is essential to the product or service
- Operate in environments where AI systems make or influence decisions
- Be part of workflows where AI agents actively execute tasks
- Belong to organizations where removing AI would significantly impact or halt operations
Global Expert Recruitment:
We sourced participants from AI-native firms across the US and other English-speaking markets, ensuring diversity across industries and business models.
In-Depth 1:1 Interviews:
A total of 28 one-on-one qualitative interviews (60 minutes each) were conducted with professionals working in AI-native environments.
Core Research Areas Explored:
Each discussion focused on:
- The role of AI in core business operations
- Levels of dependency on AI for decision-making and execution
- Types of workloads powered by AI (e.g., AI/ML, automation, predictive systems)
- The relationship between human oversight and autonomous systems
- Business continuity risks in the absence of AI
The study revealed how deeply AI is embedded in the operational and strategic fabric of modern AI-native companies.
Key insights included:
- AI is not a supporting layer, it is the primary driver of products and services
- Many organizations would face severe disruption or complete failure without AI
- Decision-making is increasingly delegated to AI systems within defined guardrails
- Continuous data learning plays a central role in improving performance and scaling operations
The findings highlighted a fundamental shift in how businesses are structured, moving from human-led operations supported by technology to AI-led systems guided by human oversight.
These insights enabled the client to better understand the risks, opportunities, and expectations associated with AI-dependent business models.
- Professionals working in AI-native firms where AI drives core products and services.
Decision-makers operating in environments where AI systems execute and influence outcomes.
Experts involved in AI-driven operations, automation, and intelligent systems deployment.
Individuals working within organizations where business performance depends on continuous AI learning.
Looking to understand how organizations are building products, operations, and strategies around AI? Connect with Vertex to access insights from experts working within AI-native environments.
