51% of B2B buyers now start with AI chatbots. Learn how AI is transforming software research and vendor selection in 2026.
B2B software buying is rapidly evolving. A recent G2 report reveals that 51% of buyers now begin their purchasing journey with AI chatbots instead of traditional search engines—a clear sign of changing behavior.
Based on a March 2026 survey of 1,076 buyers, AI chatbots are now used throughout the decision process. Instead of comparing multiple sources, buyers rely on AI to deliver quick, curated recommendations.
AI isn’t just assisting—it’s driving outcomes:
This shows how AI is expanding discovery and reshaping competition.
G2’s Tim Sanders describes this as the third “compression era”:
Buyers are shifting from researching multiple sources to trusting AI-generated insights.
AI chatbots are becoming the default starting point for B2B software buying—faster, simpler, and more influential than ever.