The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. But behind every successful tech company, there is a team of talented engineers who bring these ideas to life. That’s why the topic of first engineering hires is crucial for any startup looking to make it big in the tech industry. And at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, three industry experts took to the Builders Stage to discuss this very topic.
Lauri Moore, David Cramer, and Zach Lloyd are all well-known names in the tech world, with impressive backgrounds and a wealth of experience. Moore is the co-founder of Bessemer, a venture capital firm that has invested in some of the biggest names in tech, including Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Shopify. Cramer is the co-founder and CEO of Sentry, a popular error monitoring platform used by companies like Airbnb and Dropbox. And Lloyd is the co-founder and CEO of Warp, an AI-powered platform that helps companies streamline their engineering processes.
The panel, moderated by TechCrunch’s own Sarah Perez, delved into the important role that first engineering hires play in a startup’s success. Moore kicked off the discussion by highlighting the importance of finding the right fit when it comes to hiring engineers. “It’s not just about their technical skills, but also their cultural fit within the company,” she explained. “They need to be able to work well with the rest of the team and share the same values and vision for the company.”
Cramer agreed, adding that first engineering hires should also possess a strong sense of ownership and be able to take initiative. “In a startup, things move fast and there’s no time for micromanaging. You need engineers who can take charge and get things done,” he said.
But as the conversation turned to the role of AI tooling in the hiring process, there were differing opinions. Moore believes that AI can be a valuable tool in identifying top engineering talent, but it should not be relied upon solely. “AI can help us sift through a large pool of candidates, but it’s important to still have a human touch in the hiring process,” she said.
On the other hand, Lloyd argued that AI can play a much bigger role in the hiring process. “With the advancements in AI technology, we can now use it to assess a candidate’s technical skills and even predict their future performance,” he said. “This can save a lot of time and resources for startups, especially in the early stages.”
The discussion then turned to the qualities that founders should look for in their first engineering hires. Cramer emphasized the importance of adaptability and a willingness to learn. “In a startup, things are constantly changing and evolving. You need engineers who can adapt to new technologies and learn quickly,” he said.
Lloyd added that communication skills are also crucial, as engineers need to be able to effectively communicate their ideas and collaborate with other team members. “In a startup, everyone wears multiple hats and engineers need to be able to work closely with other departments, such as marketing and sales,” he explained.
As the panel came to a close, the three experts agreed that first engineering hires are crucial for a startup’s success, and founders should take the time to find the right fit. They also emphasized the importance of creating a diverse team, both in terms of skills and backgrounds.
In conclusion, the panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 shed light on the key factors that founders should consider when making their first engineering hires. From finding the right cultural fit to utilizing AI tooling, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But one thing is for sure, with the right team in place, the possibilities for a startup are endless. So, to all the aspiring founders out there, take note from these industry experts and make your first engineering hires count.
