08 Apr 2026
59m

The Agent Era: Building Software Beyond Chat with Box CEO Aaron Levie

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The a16z Show

The discussion centers on the transformative impact of AI agents on software development, business models, and enterprise IT infrastructure. It explores the shift towards building software optimized for agents, emphasizing the need for high-quality APIs and robust access controls. A key point of contention is whether agents should be treated as distinct entities with their own resources or as extensions of individual users, particularly concerning security and data access within enterprises. The conversation also addresses the economic implications of AI, challenging traditional Wall Street models and highlighting the potential for new business models driven by micro-transactions and increased consumption of computing resources. Ultimately, the participants debate the pace and extent of AI diffusion, acknowledging the challenges faced by large organizations in adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape.

Outlines

Part 1: The Agent-Centric Future

Part 2: Human-AI Collaboration and Skill Evolution

Part 3: Agent Modalities and Software Interaction

Part 4: Enterprise Integration and Security Risks

Part 5: Identity, Privacy, and Governance

Part 6: Adoption Gaps and Market Dynamics

Part 7: New Paradigms for Software Businesses

Part 8: Economic Shifts and Business Models

Part 9: Compute Economics and Infrastructure

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