The rise of Cursor: The $300M ARR AI tool that engineers can’t stop using | Michael Truell (co-founder and CEO) | Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career | Podwise
This episode explores the future of software development and the role of AI in shaping it, featuring Michael Truell, co-founder and CEO of AnySphere, the company behind the AI code editor Cursor. Against the backdrop of Cursor's rapid growth (reaching $300 million ARR in two years), Truell discusses his vision of a "post-code" world where software creation is more about specifying intent than writing lines of code, resembling logic design. More significantly, he highlights the unexpected need for custom model development within Cursor, emphasizing that every "magic moment" relies on these bespoke models, contrary to their initial assumptions. The discussion pivots to the evolving skillset for future engineers, with Truell emphasizing the increasing importance of "taste" in both logic and visual design, moving away from meticulous coding towards a higher-level understanding of software intent. For instance, he contrasts this with the limitations of "vibe coding," where a lack of detail control can hinder development. In closing, Truell reflects on the challenges of building and scaling Cursor, emphasizing the importance of consistent product improvement and strategic hiring, and predicts a future with multiple successful AI-powered development tools, though one may eventually dominate the market for general-purpose software creation.
