When four MIT grads decided to build a code editor while everyone else was building AI agents, they created the fastest-growing developer tool ever built. Cursor CEO Michael Truell joins a16z’s Martin Casado to discuss the deliberate constraints that led to breakthroughs: why they rejected the "democratization" narrative to focus on power users, how their 2-day work trials test for agency over credentials, and the strategic decision to own the editor when conventional wisdom said it was impossible. Resources:Follow Michael on X: <a href="https://x.com/mntruell">https://x.com/mntruell</a> Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: <a href="https://x.com/a16z">https://x.com/a16z</a>Find a16z on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z">https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z</a>Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX?si=70ca2d87cf9342d9">https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX</a>Listen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711</a>Follow our host: <a href="https://x.com/eriktorenberg">https://x.com/eriktorenberg</a>Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Stay Updated:Find a16z on <a href="https://x.com/a16z">X</a>Find a16z on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z"> LinkedIn</a>Listen to the a16z Podcast on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX?si=3E8B3qT9TyiwAHJ7JnaKbg">Spotify</a>Listen to the a16z Podcast on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711">Apple Podcasts</a>Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg&nbsp;Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Michael Truell: How Cursor Builds at the Speed of AI

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