Three Lessons I've Learned at Manus (ivanleo.com)

In a recent reflection, an engineer at Manus shared insights from their journey since joining the AI startup, which recently achieved over $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within just eight months—marking a record for startups. Manus, a multi-functional AI agent, automates complex tasks across various domains, aiming to deliver features that genuinely impress users. The engineer emphasized the intense work culture and the rapid development cycle, having launched significant features like the Manus API and a Stripe integration, demonstrating a blend of technical prowess and commitment. The engineer outlined three key lessons: first, that accountability extends beyond deployment; engaging with other teams and users to gather feedback on features is crucial for ongoing improvement. Second, they advocated for prioritizing prototypes over meticulously planned features, as early versions can stimulate user engagement and refine expectations. Third, they stressed the importance of adaptability, urging engineers not to confine themselves to their titles but to embrace diverse challenges—such as learning new programming languages and developing necessary tools. These experiences highlight how dynamic the AI/ML landscape has become, encouraging engineers to remain versatile and open to continual learning in a fast-paced environment.