Emergent's CEO shares what he looks for in developers in the AI era

As artificial intelligence transforms the landscape of software engineering, Mukund Jha, the CEO and co-founder of Emergent, believes that developers will not lose value; rather, their importance will soar. In a recent live Q&A with Business Insider, Jha expressed optimism about the future demand for software, predicting an exponential increase that will also elevate the need for developers, designers, and product builders. Emergent, an AI application development platform established in 2025, recently celebrated a significant milestone by securing $130 million in Series C funding, bringing its valuation to an impressive $1.5 billion—up from just $300 million six months ago. Jha referred to the current era as "The Great Coding Reset," which highlights a time of immense change in coding practices, new tools that create a productivity paradox, and the evolving dynamics within workplaces. During his discussion with Business Insider's Dan DeFrancesco, Jha emphasized the emergence of a new generation of builders. He believes the demand for automation and software generation will only continue to rise. While he reassured that developer roles are not disappearing, they are rapidly evolving, leading to changing expectations from employers. Many executives have noted that AI is reshaping the skills they value in potential hires. Jha outlined the traits he seeks in candidates: a deep curiosity for problem-solving, a proactive attitude, and a strong desire to make an impact. In today’s AI era, employees must be versatile, as traditional roles increasingly overlap. "At Emergent, our designers write code, our engineers engage in design, and our product managers can independently launch features," Jha explained. He urged aspiring developers to harness the power of AI, stating, "Using AI effectively can amplify your capabilities significantly." However, he also stressed the importance of not discarding traditional educational paths or relying solely on AI for solutions. Problem-solving and collaboration skills remain vital, according to Jha, who believes that these are the core competencies that educational institutions should focus on. With a background that includes programming at the age of 12 alongside his twin co-founder and an unconventional path that led him to drop out of a PhD program, Jha argues that the essence of technical education lies in teaching individuals how to tackle problems. As technology continues to evolve, these foundational skills will empower future engineers to thrive in an AI-dominated landscape. "We are just beginning to explore the potential of AI," Jha concluded.