EP 15: The Future of SaaS, AI, and Online Marketplaces with Roby Sharon-Zipser  (Hipages) 

In this highly strategic and future-focused episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with Roby Sharon-Zipser, CEO and Managing Director of Hipages Group, to explore one of the biggest questions facing technology businesses today: how do marketplaces and SaaS platforms remain relevant in an AI-driven world?Roby shares the remarkable journey of building Hipages from a small online directory startup into Australia and New Zealand’s leading marketplace for trades and home improvement services. Over two decades, the company has navigated multiple waves of disruption—from directories to marketplaces, subscriptions, SaaS platforms, and now AI-powered systems.The conversation dives deep into platform evolution, founder adaptability, systems of record, and the growing threat of “zero-click” AI experiences where users no longer visit websites directly. Roby explains why trust, proprietary data, platform ecosystems, and embedded workflows may become the defining competitive advantages in the post-SaaS era.Together, they unpack how AI agents, automation, and large language models are changing customer behavior, software products, and business models at unprecedented speed. They also explore the tension between moving quickly versus making the right strategic bets, and why CEOs must balance experimentation with disciplined execution.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Hipages evolved from a directory business into a SaaS-enabled platformWhy marketplaces constantly face the risk of disintermediationWhat the “zero-click” AI environment means for online businessesHow AI agents are changing customer behavior and search experiencesWhy trust, licensing, and verification still matter in AI-powered systemsThe importance of systems of record in building sticky SaaS productsHow subscription models improve retention and platform defensibilityWhy founder adaptability matters more than ever in technology businessesThe challenge of balancing experimentation with operational disciplineHow AI is reshaping marketplaces, SaaS, and software developmentWhy embedded ecosystems may outperform standalone applicationsThe future of AI-powered “business in a box” platformsAbout Hipages GroupHipages Group is Australia and New Zealand’s leading online marketplace and technology platform for trades and home improvement services. The company connects homeowners with verified trade professionals while also providing SaaS tools, workflow systems, payments, insurance, and business management solutions for trade businesses.Founded in 2004, Hipages has grown into one of Australia’s best-known technology brands in the home services category, supporting tens of thousands of trade businesses and millions of consumers.About Roby CookeRoby Sharon-Zipser  is the CEO and Managing Director of Hipages Group. Since co-founding the business in 2004, he has led the company through multiple technology shifts, platform evolutions, and strategic pivots—from digital directories and lead generation to SaaS products and AI-enabled ecosystems.Roby is known for his long-term strategic thinking, analytical leadership style, and deep expertise in marketplaces, subscriptions, SaaS, and digital transformation.Links & ResourcesConnect with Roby Sharon-ZipserLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roby-sharon-zipser-8417401b/Hipages GroupWebsite: https://hipages.com.au/Connect with Saurabh JainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/Email: [email protected] the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8vYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.auYour support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.