What is AI SDR (AI Sales Development Representative)?
An AI SDR is an artificial intelligence system that automates the traditional SDR role of prospecting, outreach, and meeting booking without human intervention.
What is an AI SDR?
An AI SDR (Sales Development Representative) is a software tool that automates prospecting, outreach, and initial qualification tasks traditionally performed by human SDRs. AI SDR tools like 11x, Artisan, and AiSDR use large language models to research prospects, personalize emails, and engage leads. Pricing ranges from $900 to $5,000+ per month — compared to $60K-$80K+ fully loaded cost for a human SDR.
AI SDRs use large language models, intent data, and automation to identify prospects, write personalized outreach, handle responses, and schedule meetings. They aim to replace or augment human SDRs for top-of-funnel pipeline generation.
How AI SDRs Work
AI SDRs typically integrate with your CRM and data providers to identify target accounts, enrich contact data, generate personalized email sequences, respond to replies using natural language understanding, and book meetings on calendars. Tools like 11x, Artisan, and AiSDR are leading players in this space.
AI SDR vs Human SDR
AI SDRs can operate 24/7, handle thousands of prospects simultaneously, and never need training or onboarding. However, they currently struggle with nuanced conversations, complex objection handling, and building genuine relationships. Most companies use AI SDRs for high-volume outbound while keeping human SDRs for strategic accounts.
AI SDR Impact on Sales Hiring
Our job posting data shows a shift in SDR hiring patterns. While SDR roles are declining at some companies adopting AI tools, VP Sales postings increasingly list 'AI-first sales strategy' and 'GTM automation' as desired experience. The VP Sales of 2026 needs to know how to deploy AI SDRs effectively.
Get Weekly Sales Intelligence
Join 500+ sales executives getting compensation data, market trends, and career intelligence.
Subscribe Free