Part 6/14:
Rean describes horizontal AI agents as flexible, broad-spectrum tools similar to Swiss Army knives. These are platforms—often low-code/no-code—that serve as enablers across multiple domains. Examples include AWS, various large tech companies, and community-driven projects like AutoGen. They target massive TAM (Total Addressable Market)s and are usually designed as foundational infrastructure, offering versatility rather than specialization.
However, horizontal models face several strategic challenges:
Use case ambiguity: They often lack focus, making it difficult to target niche or highly specialized enterprise needs.
Longer time to monetize: Building and maintaining these platforms can take years, with user retention potentially being less predictable.