Who Owns Your Company’s AI? Glean’s CEO Explains
▼ Summary
– Enterprise AI is evolving from simple chatbots to systems that perform organizational tasks, raising questions about who will control this foundational technology.
– Glean has transformed from an enterprise search tool into an “AI work assistant” designed to integrate with internal systems, manage permissions, and provide intelligence across work platforms.
– The company’s vision attracted significant investment, raising $150 million at a $7.2 billion valuation amid increasing competition from major tech firms.
– The article promotes an interview where Equity host Rebecca Bellan discusses AI architecture, industry consolidation, and the reality of AI agents with Glean’s CEO.
– Listeners are directed to subscribe to the Equity podcast on various platforms and follow its social media accounts for the full discussion.
The rapid evolution of enterprise AI is moving beyond simple chatbots to integrated systems that actively perform tasks and drive workflows. A critical question now emerging for business leaders is who ultimately owns and controls the foundational AI layer within their organization. This layer is becoming the central nervous system for operations, making its governance and architecture a top strategic priority.
Companies like Glean illustrate this shift. Beginning as an enterprise search tool, it has repositioned itself as an AI work assistant designed to operate underneath other applications. Its function is to connect disparate internal systems, manage data permissions securely, and deliver relevant intelligence directly into employee workflows. The significant investor confidence in this approach is clear; Glean secured $150 million in funding last year, achieving a valuation of $7.2 billion. This growth occurs as competition intensifies, not just among startups but also against major technology firms that are bundling AI features into their existing product suites.
The conversation around enterprise AI architecture is becoming more nuanced. Leaders are evaluating how to build cohesive systems that are both powerful and secure, avoiding fragmented point solutions that create data silos. There is a noticeable trend toward consolidation, where businesses seek a unified AI platform rather than managing dozens of disconnected tools. This drive is fueled by the need for better data governance, cost efficiency, and a seamless user experience.
A key area of discussion is the distinction between reality and hype, particularly regarding AI agents. While the concept of autonomous agents that can execute complex multi-step tasks is compelling, practical implementation requires robust infrastructure. True agents need reliable access to company data, clear understanding of user intent, and strict adherence to security protocols. The current focus for many enterprises is on building the reliable data foundation and governance models that will make advanced agentic workflows possible in the future.
Understanding these architectural decisions is crucial for any organization investing in AI. The choice between building, buying, or partnering for AI capabilities has long-term implications for innovation, security, and competitive advantage. The market is responding with platforms that aim to serve as this connective tissue, promising to unlock the value trapped in company data while maintaining necessary controls. As these systems become more central to daily operations, establishing clear ownership and a strategic roadmap for the AI layer is no longer optional, it is essential for sustainable growth.
(Source: TechCrunch)
