AI agents powered by models such as Claude, OpenAI, and Gemini have rated Stripe as the top API for agent use, while dismissing traditional marketing automation and sales engagement tools like Marketo, Outreach, and Salesloft. This assessment was shared in a recent analysis by saastr.com, highlighting a shift in how AI agents interact with B2B software categories.
The evaluation involved grading the top 120 APIs for their suitability in agent-driven workflows. All three AI models agreed that tools like Marketo and Outreach are unlikely to be used by agents, as these agents can craft and send better emails independently. The consensus was that these products hold value primarily for human users, not AI agents, signaling a fundamental change in software utility as agent-driven work increases.
This shift matters because even if AI agents handle only 30% of marketing and sales workflows by the end of 2026, a significant portion of the customer base will no longer require these traditional tools. The analysis suggests that the rise of AI agents will reduce the need for existing marketing automation and sales engagement platforms, challenging their relevance in future workflows and potentially reshaping the B2B SaaS landscape.
The transition to agent-driven workflows is accelerating, with AI agents expected to take on a growing share of tasks in marketing and sales. This trend could lead to a substantial decline in demand for products like Marketo and Outreach, as AI agents prefer to operate independently rather than through these platforms, according to saastr.com.