[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ai6vzjVjrFWIFc6Yl5_uShMr6ap3uMLR/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ai6vzjVjrFWIFc6Yl5_uShMr6ap3uMLR/view?usp=sharing)
As foundation model capabilities become widely adpopted, what durable moats can vertically focused application companies build to compete? With a focus on the legal software/SaaS industry, this talk discusses the new breed of competitors powered by foundation model capabilities that has upended the competitive landscape for vertical industries in knowledge intensive spaces. This talk then lays out a new hierarchy of product and operational moats that vertically focused application companies can build to effectively compete, based on recent company case studies from different industries.
Jay Mandal is a product & AI executive, entrepreneur, and lawyer. He is also a Guest Lecturer at Stanford Law School, specializing on topics related to AI/generative AI, legal technology and product management. He teaches an accelerated course every year on building AI solutions in the legal space. Jay has previously been Head M&A Attorney at Apple, CEO/Co-founder of Google Ventures-funded LawPivot (acquired by Rocket Lawyer), Chief Operating Officer of SAP's Analytics & AI Business, and Chief Product Officer of legal AI startup Theo AI.