Klarna used AI avatar of CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski to deliver Q1 earnings
Klarna, the buy-now-pay-later startup preparing for an initial public offering, took a bold step by using an AI-generated avatar of its CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, to present its latest quarterly earnings.
The AI version of Siemiatkowski appeared in a company video on YouTube, delivering the financial highlights.
While the presentation was polished, subtle signs revealed the AI nature of the presenter.
The avatar blinked less frequently than a human and the voice sync, although convincing, was not flawless. Its brown jacket also closely resembled one seen in a popular corporate photo of the real Siemiatkowski, though the shirt differed.
Klarna credited its use of artificial intelligence for reaching 100 million users and achieving a fourth consecutive profitable quarter.
The company's blog post highlighted AI-driven workforce optimisation, which led to a reduction of approximately 40 per cent in staff, boosting revenue per employee to nearly $1 million.
Human CEO Siemiatkowski confirmed that employee numbers had decreased from about 5,000 to nearly 3,000.
He also addressed AI's role in expanding Klarna on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
I really try to be balanced and consistent.
It's just two things can be true at the same time:
1. We drive huge efficiencies helped by AI, and that continues!
2. And we realize, in an AI world, the human customer connection/support will be valued even higher, and we must… — Sebastian Siemiatkowski (@klarnaseb) May 14, 2025
Siemiatkowski's move follows a growing trend of exploring AI's role in corporate leadership.
Artisan, an AI sales startup, famously released a humorous video in April suggesting its CEO had been replaced by an AI, reflecting broader conversations about AI's potential to take on executive roles.
Research published by Harvard Business Review last year found AI models, such as those based on GPT-4o, could outperform human CEOs in many decision-making tasks.
However, the study also noted AI's limitations in managing unpredictable 'black swan' events, including economic crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, experts believe future AI leaders could overcome these challenges.
Klarna has yet to comment further on its AI avatar initiative.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Govt urges World Bank to restructure KWSSIP
ISLAMABAD: The government has requested the World Bank for restructuring of Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) to complete activities that suffered from the implementation delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 floods and delays in procurement of critical activities. Official documents revealed that this restructuring for KWSSIP involves: (i) change in client name, (ii) closing date extension and subsequent change in disbursement and implementation schedule, (iii) reallocation between expenditure categories, and (iv) change in results framework. The $40 million International Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan for KWSSIP was approved on June 27, 2019. The project is co-financed with a loan of $40 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve access to safe water services in Karachi and to increase the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB)'s financial and operational performance. World Bank approves $240m for Karachi's water & sanitation project The current project closing date is June 30, 2025. The project comprises three components: Component 1—Operational and Enabling Environment Reform; Component 2—Infrastructure Investments; and Component 3—Project Management and Studies. This is the first restructuring of the project. The implementation arrangements of the projects will remain the same. Government has requested a twelve-month project closing date extension for both the World Bank and the AIIB's loans until June 30, 2026. This extension is required to complete activities that suffered from the implementation delay due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2022 floods and delays in procurement of critical activities (bulk meters and customer meters). Activities include the establishment of pilot District Metering Areas (DMAs), works to reduce energy consumption, development of an asset management program, completion of the water and sewerage masterplan and commissioning of the chlorination dosing stations will be completed within the 12 months closing date extension and hence, achieving the PDOs. Due to higher-than-expected costs in component 1 for building customer service centers and of the Institutional Reform Studies, some funding is reallocated from components 2 and 3 to component 1. Relative to the original investment plan at preparation, this will result in a reduced scope of energy efficiency investments in component 2 and of studies conducted in component 3. It is proposed to change the target date of all unachieved indicators to match the closing date extension as all indicators are expected to be achieved by then. Progress toward achieving the PDO and Implementation Progress are rated Moderately Satisfactory as of the last Implementation Status and Results Report (ISR) in November 2024. The performance ratings for components, financial management, project management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and safeguards are also moderately satisfactory. As of May 6, 2025, disbursement from the IBRD allocation reached $30.62 million out of the allocated budget of $40 million (76.55 per cent) in addition to $33.248mn (83.12 per cent) from the AIIB co-financing loan. More than 90 percent of the project proceeds are committed in signed contracts and the remaining balance are planned to be fully committed by June 30, 2025, through variation orders to some ongoing works contracts and awarding of the remaining studies envisioned under the project such as the updating of the Geographical Information System (GIS) and the development of asset management system. Implementation progress, financial utilisation, and reforms momentum have improved recently (though the latter is still slow). The Project is expected to utilize around $2.0 million by June 30, 2025. The overall risk rating under SORT was changed in the last ISR from High to Substantial recognising improvements in handling risk mitigation measures. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
MrBeast borrows money from his mom for wedding despite being a billionaire
YouTube megastar Jimmy 'MrBeast' Donaldson has revealed that he's borrowing money from his mother to fund his upcoming wedding—despite being considered a billionaire on paper. The surprising financial detail came to light after MrBeast responded to a post by Dexerto on X, which highlighted him as 'the only billionaire under 30 to have not inherited his wealth.' In his reply, the 26-year-old clarified that he has 'very little money' in his personal account because he reinvests nearly all of his earnings into content creation. 'I think this year we'll spend around a quarter of a billion on content,' MrBeast wrote. 'Ironically, I'm actually borrowing money from my mom to pay for my upcoming wedding lol. But sure, on paper the businesses I own are worth a lot.' MrBeast has famously built his YouTube empire through extreme challenges and philanthropic stunts, often spending millions on videos. In a previous interview on the Diary of a CEO podcast, he confirmed his billionaire valuation but admitted to having under a million dollars in liquid assets. His Amazon Prime project, Beast Games, reportedly cost tens of millions to produce—an investment he sees as a step toward expanding his business empire. As per Bloomberg, Donaldson is currently seeking hundreds of millions in outside investment, with his ventures estimated to be worth around $5 billion. Despite the temporary loan, MrBeast's mother likely has little concern about repayment, considering the monumental value of her son's brand and ventures.
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Gen Z embraces ChatGPT for affordable therapy while experts caution on mental health risks
Young people from Generation Z are increasingly turning to ChatGPT and other AI chatbots as affordable, on-demand alternatives to traditional talk therapy. Users praise the AI's availability, non-judgmental responses, and lower cost compared to licensed therapists, with some claiming the chatbot has helped them more than years of conventional treatment. However, licensed mental health professionals caution against relying solely on AI for therapy. While AI can support therapeutic tools and provide consistent empathy without fatigue, it lacks the intuition, clinical expertise, and personalized care that human therapists offer. Experts warn that overdependence on chatbots may hinder users' ability to cope independently and could lead to inaccurate diagnoses or harmful advice. Recent incidents involving AI chatbots providing dangerous recommendations have raised concerns about safety, especially for vulnerable and underage users. Mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association, urge caution and stress that AI should complement, not replace, professional care. They highlight the need for responsible development of AI tools guided by licensed experts to fill gaps for those unable to afford traditional therapy.
