Replit is one of the most visible and exciting companies reshaping how we approach software and application development in the Generative AI era. In this episode, we sit down with its CEO, Amjad Masad, for an in-depth discussion on all things AI, agents, and software.
Amjad shares the journey of building Replit, from its humble beginnings as a student side project to becoming a major player in Generative AI today. We also discuss the challenges of launching a startup, the multiple attempts to get into Y Combinator, the pivotal moment when Paul Graham recognized Replit’s potential, and the early bet on integrating AI and machine learning into the core of Replit.
Amjad dives into the evolving landscape of AI and machine learning, sharing how these technologies are reshaping software development. We explore the concept of coding agents and the impact of Replit’s latest innovation, Replit Agent, on the software creation process. Additionally, Amjad reflects on his time at Codecademy and Facebook, where he worked on groundbreaking projects like React Native, and how those experiences shaped his entrepreneurial journey. We end with Amjad's view on techno-optimism and his belief in an energized Silicon Valley.
Replit
Website - https://replit.com
X/Twitter - https://x.com/Replit
Amjad Masad
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjadmasad
X/Twitter - https://x.com/amasad
FIRSTMARK
Website - https://firstmark.com
X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/FirstMarkCap
Matt Turck (Managing Director)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/turck/
X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattturck
LISTEN ON:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7yLATDSaFvgJG80ACcRJtq
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mad-podcast-with-matt-turck/id1686238724
00:00 - Intro
01:36 – The origins of Replit
15:54 – Amjad’s decision to restart Replit
19:00 – Joining Y Combinator
30:06 – AI and ML at Replit
32:31 – Explain Code
39:09 – Replit Agent
52:10 – Balancing usability for both developers and non-technical users
53:22 – Sonnet 3.5 stack
58:43 – The challenge of AI evaluation
01:00:02 – ACI vs. HCI
01:05:02 – Will AI replace software development?
01:10:15 – If anyone can build an app with Replit, what’s the next bottleneck?
01:14:31 – The future of SaaS in an AI-driven world
01:18:37 – Why Amjad embraces techno-optimism
01:20:36 – Defining civilizationism
01:23:11 – Amjad’s perspective on government’s role