Surviving the early days as an AI startup isn’t just about making the technology work, it’s about hiring the right people, avoiding costly mistakes, and standing out in a crowded market.

This week on Build Mode, Isabelle Johannessen sits down with Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, founder and CEO of Artisan, a fast-growing AI startup building AI employees for sales. Best known for its viral “Stop Hiring Humans” campaign, Artisan is rethinking outbound sales with AI, while still betting on hiring exceptional human talent.

In this episode, they break down what it really takes to build and scale a venture-backed AI company, from Y Combinator to rapid growth.

This conversation covers:
→ Startup hiring mistakes every founder should avoid
→ Lessons on firing, team building, and company culture in early-stage startups
→ The strategy behind bold, controversial marketing that drives growth
→ How AI is transforming sales, hiring, and the future of work
→ What founders get wrong about the necessary roles needed for a scaling startup

This conversation gets to the heart of building a startup: making the right hires early or paying for it later.

Apply to Startup Battlefield: We are looking for early-stage companies that have an MVP. So nominate a founder (or yourself): techcrunch.com/apply. Be sure to say you heard about Startup Battlefield from the Build Mode podcast.
TechCrunch Disrupt: If you’re thinking about applying to Startup Battlefield, then October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, we’re back for TechCrunch Disrupt, where the Startup Battlefield 200 takes the stage. So if you want to cheer them on, or just network with 1000s of founders, VCs, and tech enthusiasts, then grab your tickets.
Use code buildmode15 for 15% off any ticket type.

Chapters:
00:00 — “Stop Hiring Humans?” The Reality Behind the Campaign
01:33 — What Artisan Actually Does (AI Employees Explained)
02:38 — Early Growth: From Idea to Massive Market Pull
04:27 — Bold Marketing: Why Controversy Drove Growth
06:49 — 100 Hires, 40 Left: Brutal Hiring Lessons
07:26 — Startup Hiring Mistakes to Avoid (Logo Shopping, Overhiring)
10:25 — When to Fire: The Hardest Founder Decision
22:59 — Why Overhiring Slows Growth (And What to Do Instead)

New episodes of Build Mode drop every Thursday. Hosted by Isabelle Johannessen. Produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience development led by Morgan Little. Special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.