Emergent's CEO shares what he looks for in developers in the AI era (www.businessinsider.com)

Emergent, an AI-app building platform founded in 2025, raised $130 million in Series C funding, boosting its valuation from $300 million to $1.5 billion in just six months. During a recent Q&A, CEO Mukund Jha emphasized that instead of threatening the role of developers, AI is set to increase the demand for software development, design, and product delivery. He believes a new class of builders is emerging as the need for software automation expands and highlighted that evolving roles require developers to adapt by incorporating AI into their skillset. Jha noted that today's developers should be highly curious problem solvers, able to navigate a landscape where traditional job functions are merging. At Emergent, team members are encouraged to take on multiple roles, blurring the lines between different positions. He advised aspiring developers to utilize AI effectively, as those who do can significantly enhance their productivity. However, he stressed the importance of foundational problem-solving and collaboration skills, as well as traditional educational background, pointing out that understanding how to approach and decode challenges remains paramount in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Jha asserted, "We are barely scratching the surface of what is going to happen with AI," indicating vast potential ahead.