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.