In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer (CEO at the Austin Technology Council) sits down with Jacqueline Karlin for a conversation about the emerging AI marketplace and how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape commerce.

Jacqueline talks about how the AI marketplace is an environment where buyer and seller agents increasingly interact on behalf of people and companies. They discuss the rise of consumer buying agents, including tools like Meta's Muse, and what this shift could mean for sales, marketing, procurement, and the way companies are discovered online.

A major part of the conversation focuses on AEO, or Answer Engine Optimization. As more purchasing decisions begin with AI tools instead of traditional search engines, businesses need to make sure their products, services, and capabilities can be clearly understood and recommended by AI systems.

Thom and Jacqueline also explore what executives should be doing now to prepare for AI-driven procurement, how organizations can begin experimenting with AI to support growth, and why this moment may create opportunities for companies of every size.

The conversation also touches on Austin's growing technology ecosystem, the importance of diversity across the community, and why this period of rapid change creates an opportunity for companies willing to learn, adapt, and participate.

Austin Tech Connect is the official podcast of the Austin Technology Council, and is sponsored by Calavista Software.