Upwork’s Strategic Embrace of AI Could Push the Stock to $25, According to Experts!

Crucially, Brown reports that Upwork’s AI strategy is already driving tangible results. “We’ve rapidly unlocked demand for AI-related work on our platform,” she noted in prepared remarks for Q4 2024. Indeed, Upwork’s internal data show that in 2024 the gross services volume (GSV) from AI-related projects grew by 60% year-over-year, and the number of clients posting AI-focused jobs jumped 42%. That surge contributed to Upwork’s record-high revenues in 2024 (reaching $769 million, +12% YoY) – achieved even as the broader staffing industry saw a 9% decline. Brown directly attributes Upwork’s outperformance to its early bet on AI: “Strategic investments in AI are already driving customer engagement and productivity, laying the groundwork for long-term market share gains,” she said. By Q1 2025, usage of Upwork’s AI features had skyrocketed – 52% more users engaged with Uma’s tools quarter-over-quarter, and AI-driven proposal writing usage jumped 58%. These are meaningful engagement lifts, translating to faster hiring cycles and more work getting done on the platform.