🎙️ podcast Analysis February 18, 2026 The a16z Show

Kavak: AI Agent Architecture Replaces 10,000-Employee Workforce Model

AI Infrastructure Automotive Technology Emerging Markets
Conviction HIGH
Risk Profile 1.4/10 (LOW RISK)
Horizon 12-24 months
Signal Snapshot Core Theme: AI Infrastructure

AI tools augment human productivity incrementally

AI agents replace human coordination entirely

Model improvements; Regulatory clarity; Competitive pressure

Executive Summary

Kavak's CEO Carlos García Ottati executed a complete organizational transformation, replacing traditional human-centric operations with AI agents handling 90-95% of customer interactions. The transition required a full year of flat growth (2023) after previously growing 300% annually, but resulted in 4x growth on the other side while reducing headcount from 10,000 to 3,500 employees. This wasn't incremental AI adoption—García Ottati describes deliberately 'burning the ships' and forcing the orga...

Key Investment Opportunity

AI-First Operational Architecture for Complex Businesses

Companies managing high-complexity, multi-business operations can achieve dramatic efficiency gains by replacing human coordination with AI agent orchestration, particularly in markets with high operational friction

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