Klarna's CEO Didn't Show Up—But His AI Twin Did

Klarna just added a new face to its earnings calls—one that doesn’t sweat, blink much, or change his shirt too often. The company released its quarterly earnings via an AI-generated avatar of CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, in a YouTube video that was equal parts tech flex and IPO teaser. The digital Siemiatkowski looked almost human, aside from some uncanny valley giveaways like robotic blinking and slightly off lip-syncing. Clearly, Klarna isn’t just selling payment plans—it’s selling its identity as an AI-first company.

The AI cameo wasn’t just for show. Klarna used the quarterly update to drive home the point that AI has materially impacted its bottom line. The company has credited its streamlined operations—reducing headcount from 5,000 to around 3,000 employees—to AI-fueled efficiencies. That workforce trim helped Klarna generate four straight quarters of profit, with nearly $1 million in revenue per employee. Oh, and along the way, they managed to pick up their 100 millionth user. So, fewer humans, more users, and more profit per employee—a pretty convincing pitch.

The whole exercise also taps into a bigger “what if”: could AI actually run a company? Other startups are playing with that idea too, albeit half-jokingly. But Klarna’s move hints at a future where the CEO suit might just be digital. Of course, Harvard Business Review research suggests that while AI execs could outperform humans on typical strategy moves, they still struggle with crisis scenarios.

Full story at TechCrunch.