Wayfound.ai's Engineers Guide AI Agents, Not Code

Wayfound.ai has redefined the role of engineers. Instead of traditional coding, they're steering AI agents. CEO Tatyana Mamut, who once led large teams at Amazon Web Services, finds her small team more effective than ever. Mamut states, "The two engineers ship more features than my team at Amazon in 2017."

Engineers Transition to Managers

In 2024, Wayfound initiated this shift by integrating AI coding tools. Starting with ChatGPT, the team now primarily relies on Claude Code. According to Mamut, the tool's increasing efficiency eliminates the need for prolonged testing periods. "Claude Code just became really good," she remarked.

Instead of coding, engineers now focus on customer interaction. This change has saved costs, eliminating the need for extra customer success staff. Mamut noted, "Engineers now do a lot more conversations with customers and a lot less staring at screens."

Is SaaS Set for Disruption?

Mamut predicts a significant overhaul in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. She suggests companies must embrace AI-driven solutions or risk obsolescence. With board members urging cost reductions to fund AI, many SaaS companies are decreasing headcounts.

Traditional models are unsustainable. Companies don't want long-term commitments when AI agents are changing the landscape. Mamut warns, "If they try to hold on to the core SaaS model, they'll be dead in five years." A bold statement, but one that compels companies to rethink strategy.

The Future of Human Roles

As AI handles more tasks, human roles evolve. Mamut argues that humans are essential for managing AI and nurturing customer relationships. "People want to buy from other people," she emphasizes. Trust remains a human prerogative.

However, what happens when AI outpaces human oversight? Mamut cautions against "agent slop", a scenario where unsupervised AI agents create issues. Constant training and monitoring are key for success.

Wayfound.ai's journey demonstrates a potential path for the industry. The specification is as follows: adapt and thrive or cling to old models and risk irrelevance. The choice, it seems, is clear.