- The “first engineer” role is shifting with AI and modern developer tools.
- Fit and leverage matter more than doing everything from scratch.
- Founders must rethink early hires to avoid costly missteps.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, running October 27–29 in San Francisco, a spotlight will be on one of the hardest decisions early-stage founders face: when and how to hire their first key engineer. The discussion will take place on the Builders Stage, where industry leaders will challenge long-held assumptions about early technical hiring.
The Panel: Founders and Builders at the Forefront
The session will feature Lauri Moore of Bessemer Venture Partners, David Cramer of Sentry, and Zach Lloyd of Warp. Each brings a distinct perspective. Moore has backed and advised companies building core developer tools and AI-driven infrastructure. Cramer scaled Sentry from a side project into a platform trusted by millions of developers, and Lloyd is reimagining the coding terminal with AI-powered workflows at Warp. Together, they represent the intersection of investor insight, founder experience, and product innovation.
What Startups Really Need in Their First Engineer
The panel promises a candid look at the reality behind the “first engineer” hire. Founders often believe this person should be a Swiss Army knife who can code, design, and scale infrastructure from day one. In practice, the panelists argue, success depends more on fit with the company’s stage, clarity of role, and the leverage provided by modern AI-enabled developer tools. The right hire is less about building everything from scratch and more about speeding up product velocity without waste.
Beyond Hiring: AI and the Evolving Dev Workflow
The conversation will also explore how AI tools are changing the definition of engineering work. Can AI replace certain early hires? Where does human creativity still dominate? And how do these shifts impact a startup’s go-to-market and product lifecycle strategies? For founders wrestling with these questions, the session aims to provide tactical, experience-driven guidance rather than theory.
Also Read: TechCrunch AllStage 2025: Jason Kraus Brings Startup Scaling Strategies to Boston Event
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is expected to draw over 10,000 founders, VCs, and builders. For anyone navigating the messy early stages of startup growth, this panel is a rare chance to hear unfiltered perspectives on one of the most critical decisions a company can make.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Coin Brief is not responsible for any financial losses.
