Pro Rata Premium: Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Enterprise Software

👋 It's Chris Metinko, Axios Pro Deals' enterprise software reporter, with a deep dive into agentic AI, the hottest trend in enterprise tech.

1. Agentic AI or bust

Agentic AI is the hottest phrase in enterprise software right now — and the flow of money shows it's more than talk. Why it matters: Venture investment in AI agent startups through the first half of 2025 reached almost $2 billion — nearly matching all of last year's total, according to PitchBook. The big picture: Investors have moved well past chatbots and customer service agents, focusing instead on technologies that build better AI agents.

• Enterprise AI agents are now applied to long-running workflows that span extended periods and require multiple external actions to complete.
• Vertical AI agents serving specific sectors like legal and tax are attracting more funding than horizontal agents addressing multiple industries.
Yes, but: Startups will see how many customers renew over the next 12 months, which will indicate if enterprises find AI agents truly useful, says Bhavan Suri, managing director at William Blair.
• Suri compares this period to late 2021 and early 2022, when many work-from-home collaboration tools faced challenges as the pandemic waned and enterprises cut back on user seats.
• Companies like Zoom saw share price drops, and startups like Hopin eventually sold off assets.
What they're saying: Improved training models and enhanced reasoning capabilities will keep agentic AI platforms advancing, says Danel Dayan, principal at Battery Ventures.

"It's hard to hit the bull's-eye with the pace of change," says Dayan.

Reality check: Despite excitement, industry operators say agentic AI is not replacing humans but making them more productive and keeping them informed about what the agents do. Yes, but: It seems very likely to get to that place eventually. What's next:

"There will be upheaval in a world of unlimited agents," says Ted Smith, co-founder and president of investment bank Union Square Advisors. "Business models will change in an unfettered AI agent world, but 'how' is the question."

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Originally published at Axios on July 25, 2025.

Additional FAQs

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI refers to systems that can operate autonomously to perform tasks typically carried out by humans. In enterprise software, they are used to manage complex workflows that involve multiple interactions and components, often covering specific industry needs like legal and tax services.

Why is there an increase in investment in AI agents?

Investments in AI agents are rising due to their potential to enhance productivity and streamline workflows in enterprises. These agents are seen as more sophisticated than typical chatbots due to their ability to learn from and act within intricate systems, thus driving significant venture capital interest.

What challenges do startups face in agentic AI?

Startups in the agentic AI space are facing challenges related to customer retention and the viability of their models in long-term usage. Like post-pandemic collaboration tools, the true test lies in their ability to sustain user engagement and renewals over time.

Crypto Market's Take

At Crypto Market, we recognize the transformative potential of agentic AI, much like our approach to AI-driven cryptocurrency trading tools. Our AI agents hub focuses on innovation and usability in trading, leveraging advanced algorithms to align with the dynamic nature of financial markets. As businesses explore the disruption brought by autonomous agents, our platform similarly pushes the envelope by integrating AI for smarter trading decisions and risk management.

More to Read:

• Agentic AI Systems Will Provide Enormous Uplift in Business Performance
• AI-Driven Crypto Trading Tools Reshape Market Strategies in 2025