How Claude is Changing the World

AI, especially large language models like Claude, is fundamentally changing how software development works.

”SaaS is Dead”

Since late 2025, the phrase “SaaS is Dead” has been spreading.

The Shock to SaaS Companies

Following Anthropic’s agent AI tool announcement, SaaS companies reportedly lost approximately $300 billion in market value on February 3, 2025 alone. Traditional SaaS companies relied on “seat-based pricing,” but as AI agents begin operating directly via APIs without going through UIs, this revenue structure may collapse.

On the other hand, AI is analyzed as having “real, tangible utility.” The implementation speed of generative AI is dramatically faster compared to historical infrastructure revolutions (like railroad networks), making it easier for expectations to be realized.

Claude Code’s innovation lies in AI operating at the “OS layer” rather than just the application layer, giving it a structural advantage in replacing the user’s actual work on their PC.

Reference: SaaS Will Die, But the AI Bubble Won’t Burst (NewsPicks)

The Traditional SaaS Model

Previously, when you wanted software, your options were limited:

Buy off-the-shelf: Compromise even if it doesn’t 100% fit your needs
Commission custom development: High costs and long development time
Build it yourself: Programming skills required

The AI Paradigm Shift

Tools like Claude Code have made the third option realistic:

Without programming experience, you can create custom tools using natural language
Instead of subscribing to generic SaaS, you can have tools that perfectly fit your workflow
Instead of hiring developers, you can quickly experiment yourself

Cowork and “Built with Claude” Tools

Starting with Anthropic’s “Cowork” (an evolution of Claude Artifacts), the trend of building custom tools with AI is accelerating.

Examples:

Auto-formatting meeting minutes in your company’s format
Calculation tools specific to your work
Team-specific dashboards

These used to require finding a SaaS or commissioning development, but now “have Claude build it” is an option.

The Era of AI Pair Programming

From “Writing” to “Conversing”

Traditional programming:


Idea → Design → Write code → Test → Debug

AI pair programming:


Idea → Explain to Claude → Implement together → Feedback → Improve

The skill of “writing code” is becoming less important than the skill of “explaining what you want to build.”

Anyone Can Be a Builder

Designers implementing their own prototypes
Marketers creating their own analytics tools
Sales customizing customer management tools
Researchers building data processing pipelines

You no longer need to be a professional engineer to turn ideas into reality.

The Significance of This Workshop

Why Learn “Now”

Model maturity: Since Opus 4.5, complex tasks can be handled at a practical level
Tool refinement: Claude Code has evolved to be user-friendly
Cost efficiency: Pro plan at $20/month is practical enough

Skills You’ll Gain

How to give effective instructions to Claude
How to collaborate with AI in development
Confidence and experience that “you can build things”

Anthropic CEO’s Vision

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has published essays offering deep insights into the future of AI.

Machines of Loving Grace

An essay on “How AI Could Transform the World for the Better”.

Discusses how AI could positively impact biology and medicine, economic development, peace and security, work and creativity, and human relationships.

Machines of Loving Grace - How AI Could Transform the World for the Better

The Adolescence of Technology

An essay on “Confronting and Overcoming the Risks of Powerful AI”.

Presents the risks accompanying rapid AI development and a framework for managing them responsibly.

The Adolescence of Technology - Confronting and Overcoming the Risks of Powerful AI

Reference Links

Claude - Anthropic’s AI assistant
Cowork - Build tools with Claude
Build with Claude Code - This workshop’s materials