The era of the traditional software developer is likely coming to an end, according to Varun Mohan, CEO of Windsurf. During a recent podcast episode of “Y Combinator,” he emphasized that the role of developers will evolve into what he refers to as “builders.” Mohan believes that soon, everyone will have the opportunity to create software.
Windsurf, founded in 2021 as Codeium, provides an AI-powered coding development tool and has gained traction in the “vibe coding” trend. The company has successfully raised $243 million in venture capital funding. Recently, Bloomberg reported that Windsurf is in negotiations for a potential acquisition by OpenAI, valued at approximately $3 billion.
Before starting Windsurf, Mohan worked as a tech lead manager at Nuro, an AI robotics company, and has a background as a software engineer. On the podcast, he discussed how AI will “democratize” software creation, suggesting that instead of downloading applications, users might simply instruct their AI assistant to build custom tools that can be continuously refined.
Mohan envisions a future where nearly everyone is involved in building software, even if they don’t realize that what they are creating is, in fact, software. He also noted the increasing capabilities of vibe coding, which enhances various stages of software development—writing, reviewing, testing, debugging, and design.
Vibe coding, a term introduced by OpenAI cofounder Andrej Karpathy, involves using AI to craft code based on prompts. Developers can release themselves from rigid coding structures and focus on creativity.
The rise of vibe coding challenges traditional perceptions of software development. It raises concerns among some engineers about job security and prompts discussions on whether technical skills remain essential for startup founders.
Mohan also stated that if AI takes over repetitive tasks like boilerplate coding, developers can concentrate on more valuable aspects, such as testing innovative ideas and gathering user feedback. This shift suggests a need for startups to adapt their hiring strategies. Mohan expressed the importance of seeking engineers with high agency—those who are willing to take risks and think boldly—rather than just prioritizing boilerplate coding skills. A startup can thrive with less-than-perfect code as long as it offers a product that genuinely benefits users.