The initial team members in a startup can significantly shape its future. However, with the rise of AI capabilities, not all functions necessitate hiring additional staff.
AI tools are stepping into roles traditionally filled by early employees, such as engineering, customer support, research, and operational tasks. This shift prompts a critical question for founders when considering new hires: What tasks should remain with humans, and which can be entrusted to AI?
During TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, industry leaders including Josh Reeves, CEO and co-founder of Gusto; Michelle Johnson, senior vice president at Insight Partners; and John Koelliker, CEO and co-founder of Leland, will participate in a session titled “Hiring When AI Is a Co-Founder” on the Builders Stage.
This discussion will delve into how startups can create teams where human and AI workforces collaborate effectively, all without compromising speed, accountability, or corporate culture.
Join them at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13 to 15, alongside over 10,000 other startups, investors, and tech leaders as they explore the essential elements for developing and scaling modern companies. Register now for your Disrupt pass and enjoy savings of up to $200 before rates increase on September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Group registrations can save an additional 30%.
The initial ten hires at a startup might not all be human
For startups, every hiring decision involves weighing capabilities, costs, and speed. AI introduces a new option for founders.
More engineering, customer support, and operational tasks can increasingly be assigned to AI systems capable of managing complex tasks autonomously, rather than merely aiding employees. This opens doors for founders to rethink the composition of their first teams.
Instead of simply asking, “Who should we hire next?,” the focus can shift to: “What specific tasks need doing, and does a human need to execute them?” This distinction is crucial.
Utilizing AI can accelerate workflow for a small team, yet it raises critical questions about responsibility and oversight. Who verifies the AI’s work? Who makes the final calls? What happens in case of errors? And which responsibilities are too significant to assign to an AI? For AI-driven startups, these concerns are more than theoretical.
These questions will be explored in depth during the Builders Stage segment at Disrupt. Secure your pass by September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT and save up to $200. Bring your team to enjoy up to 30% off.
Diverse views on AI-native teamwork at Disrupt
Josh Reeves offers insights from a diverse customer base; Gusto operates with over 500,000 businesses in payroll, HR, compliance, and more, leveraging AI while drawing on over a decade of small business experience. This positions Gusto at the forefront of helping companies strategize their team expansions.
Michelle Johnson provides expertise on the growth aspect of startups. At Insight Partners, she collaborates with CEOs across North America and Europe focusing on go-to-market strategies, revenues, and AI adaptation. Previously, she played a vital role in scaling Flock Safety from under $1 million to $90 million in ARR as a leader in sales and revenue operations.
Her insights lead to thought-provoking questions: if AI can conduct research, manage customer data, and streamline sales processes, what should human team members focus on? How does this reshape the skill set required for startup hiring?
John Koelliker, CEO and co-founder of Leland, brings a unique perspective where talent meets AI. His experience across LinkedIn, Curated, and Uber, as well as building a company geared toward skill development in this evolving job landscape, enhances the discussion.
Together, they present three viewpoints on a shared challenge: designing startup teams when AI can perform tasks from day one. Register by September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT to save $200 on your pass and experience this live on the Builders Stage. Consider bringing your community along to save even more.
Determining human vs. AI responsibilities
Some critical decisions within a startup can’t merely be structured into processes.
Who truly comprehends customer needs? Who questions flawed strategies? Who takes accountability when setbacks occur? Who forges connections, inspires teams, or recognizes when data is misleading? As AI tools evolve, the importance of these questions may increase.
An early employee’s role could increasingly hinge on judgment, accountability, and the capacity to manage both personnel and AI rather than just executing numerous tasks. This shift has broad implications for the startup landscape.
Building a company beyond just technology on the Builders Stage at Disrupt
Startups have always thrived by maximizing resources, and AI could further amplify this capability.
Yet, a company extends beyond just completing tasks. Founders require individuals who can make informed decisions, accept responsibilities, understand customer perspectives, and foster a thriving company culture.
The challenge lies in identifying where these people can offer the most value, and where an AI system may suffice. This is a central theme for the discussion led by Josh Reeves, Michelle Johnson, and John Koelliker at Disrupt.
Join the conversation on the Builders Stage and explore the dynamic interplay of AI as a team member, alongside 10,000+ founders, investors, and operators. Participate through various networking opportunities throughout Moscone West, the Expo Hall, and Startup Battlefield 200.
The startup organizational structure is evolving. Learn how to craft yours for future success at Disrupt 2026. Get your pass today and save as much as $200 before the September 25 deadline at 11:59 p.m. PT, and enjoy additional savings for group registrations.
