The First Critical Engineer: Reality Check at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The significance of the first decisive engineering hire at startups will be discussed at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco's Moscone West. At the "Builders Stage," prominent experts such as Lauri Moore from Bessemer Venture Partners, David Cramer from Sentry, and Zach Lloyd from Warp will gather to discuss how developer tools are transforming the early stages of product development. Moore brings impressive expertise in artificial intelligence and developer tools. Cramer shares his experiences in building Sentry, which is now used by over 4 million developers, and emphasizes the importance of the right tools and employee selection. Lloyd is revolutionizing developer experiences with Warp and offers insights into the modern workflow. The discussion aims to address what founders specifically expect from their first engineering hires, what limitations AI-supported tools have, and how market entry and product lifecycle align with these new developments. Whether you are a founder, CTO, or technology enthusiast, the session promises profound insights into the challenges of modern startup development. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 brings together over 10,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders to discuss and actively shape the next technological steps. The regular registration period ends on September 26 at 11:59 PM PT—secure your ticket today and save up to $668.