Amjad Masad on Going Direct, Building Replit, and the Future of Software

2026-07-17 · 26 min · episode 1148 · 14 entities

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→ appeared on The a16z Show podcast

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Amjad Masad on Going Direct, Building Replit, and the Future of Software
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→ discusses Technology concept

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→ discusses Business concept

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→ discusses Entrepreneurship concept

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Entities found in this episode

concepts 9

mentioned Science concept

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mentioned Technology concept

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Feed category: Technology
mentioned Business concept

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mentioned Entrepreneurship concept

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the Future of Software
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discusses Business concept

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Amjad Masad on Going Direct, Building Replit, and the Future of Software
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podcasts 1

appeared on The a16z Show podcast

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Amjad Masad on Going Direct, Building Replit, and the Future of Software

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Feed author/publisher: a16z

Episode description as stored

Recorded live at the New Media Summit, Erik Torenberg sits down with Replit founder and CEO Amjad Masad to discuss founder-led storytelling, building in public, and the role of media in company building. Masad reflects on Replit’s decade-long journey, including the years before the company’s recent breakout growth, and explains why communicating a vision can be just as important as executing on it. He argues that for many founders, especially those building ambitious products ahead of the market, telling a compelling story is often necessary to attract talent, capital, and early believers. The conversation explores social media, authenticity, public communication, company-building, and how founders can develop a voice that resonates beyond their product. Along the way, Masad shares lessons from building Replit, navigating controversy, and why he believes founders should think carefully about when to go direct and what story they're trying to tell. Resources: Follow Amjad Masad on X: https://x.com/amasad Follow Erik Torenberg on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Stay Updated: Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube Find a16z on X Find a16z on LinkedIn Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg 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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.