This essay is based on a conversation with Magnus Grimeland, CEO and founder of Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm and co-founder of Zalora, a fashion e-commerce platform in Asia. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
There’s been much discussion about AI potentially replacing software engineering, particularly with the idea that anyone could code using natural language. However, the reality is that the demand for talented software engineers is likely to increase significantly over the next couple of decades.
Even the top software engineers today make mistakes, and AI models will also continue to make errors for a considerable time. The optimization of this technology will primarily rely on skilled software engineers.
Looking ahead, the most proficient software engineers will leverage new tools to enhance their efficiency, enabling them to produce better products at a faster pace. Their working methods will evolve considerably.
We also need to adapt to a new computing ecosystem, which skilled software engineers will navigate successfully. Investments are already being made in companies preparing for this shift.
AI will drive further specialization among software engineers. Currently, they are often organized somewhat generically, with some focused on hardware, others on different programming languages, and some excelling in mobile development. As AI is integrated across various industries, the complexity of roles will grow, leading to a rise in specialized engineers rather than generalists.
Software engineers will collaborate more closely with business leaders, thanks to AI, which will allow business personnel to interact with early product versions. This synergy is expected to boost efficiency between technical and non-technical areas of a business, enhancing the crucial role of software engineering.
When we were building Zalora and now at Antler, many of the best engineers we onboarded in Southeast Asia were self-taught. They didn’t possess formal computer science degrees; instead, they learned through online resources, experimentation, and by building their own programs. AI has made it easier than ever for motivated individuals to learn and become capable software engineers. Consequently, we’ll see a rise in self-taught talent matching the skills of those with traditional university degrees.