EP5: Dr. Thomas Otter on Acquisitions, AI, and the Future of HR Tech
In this episode of Now to Next, host Jason Averbook sits down with Dr. Thomas Otter — General Partner at Acadian Ventures, longtime product leader, and one of the most outspoken thinkers in HR technology. From his career at SAP and Gartner to co-founding a VC fund, Thomas has a unique vantage point on where HR tech has been and where it’s heading. Using golf bags, buffets, and a splash of wine metaphors, he and Jason break down acquisitions, AI, and the realities of building for the future of work. This isn’t hype — it’s a candid look at what’s really happening inside the industry, who’s likely to thrive, and which players may become roadkill on the way to reinvention.
Key Points
- Why acquisitions in HR tech are less about revolution and more about smart distribution.
- The “buffet problem” — how pricing and packaging shape vendor strategies.
- Balance sheet vs. income statement acquisitions explained.
- Why Workday and SAP are adding “chocolate sauce” instead of rebuilding the buffet.
- AI: hype dust vs. genuine work redesign.
- Why a true HR tech revolution hasn’t happened… yet.
- The rise of new players like Deel and HiBob — and what they signal.
- Why niche vendors from 10–15 years ago may be squeezed out.
- The next generation of HR tech founders bringing empathy and ambition to the space.
- Why Thomas believes the real revolution will come only when work itself is redefined.
Guest:
Dr. Thomas Otter is General Partner at Acadian Ventures, a fund investing in early-stage companies shaping the future of work. With decades of experience in HR technology — including leadership roles at SAP SuccessFactors, advisory work at Gartner, and building HR platforms used worldwide — Thomas brings deep expertise in product, strategy, and investment. Known for his candid writing and bold perspectives, he is one of the most respected and outspoken voices in the global HR tech community.
Follow Jason Averbook:
Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook
Dr. Thomas Otter:
Substack:https://substack.com/@thomasotter X: https://x.com/vendorprisey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasotter/?locale=de_DE
Timestamps:
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| 56:05 |
Transcript
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