GitHub CEO (Thomas Dohmke) to Startups: “AI Can Assist, But Developers Build the Future”
Thomas Dohmke, the CEO of GitHub, has a clear message for tech entrepreneurs and startup founders: AI coding tools are powerful, but they’re no substitute for skilled developers. While artificial intelligence has transformed how code is written, reviewed, and deployed, Dohmke emphasizes that human creativity and engineering expertise remain the core of real innovation.
AI Tools Are Here — But They’re Not Everything
GitHub, a subsidiary of Microsoft and home to millions of code repositories, has been a front-runner in integrating AI into software development. Tools like GitHub Copilot, powered by models developed with OpenAI, can generate code snippets, suggest entire functions, and speed up repetitive tasks.
Yet, Dohmke warns against overreliance. While startups may be tempted to cut corners by letting AI take the wheel, he argues that AI can only “take you so far.” Without developers who understand the full software lifecycle — from problem-solving and architecture to ethics and deployment — businesses will eventually hit a wall.
The Vibe Isn’t Enough
In a humorous but pointed remark, Dohmke said that many startups today are powered more by vibe than viable engineering. The flashy pitch decks, AI-generated MVPs, and fast growth stories may seem promising, but products that scale require substance, not shortcuts.
His advice? Startups should invest in strong developer teams early — teams that know how to ask the right questions, debug effectively, build secure code, and understand user needs. AI may accelerate development, but it can’t replace genuine problem-solving ability.
Developers Will Be Even More Valuable
Interestingly, Dohmke views the rise of AI as a golden opportunity for developers, not a threat. As AI handles more boilerplate tasks, developers can focus on deeper, more creative engineering challenges — including algorithm design, AI training pipelines, and human-AI interface work.
Moreover, he believes that AI will democratize coding, allowing more people from diverse backgrounds to enter tech. But at the same time, those who master both AI tools and core software principles will become indispensable.
Advice for Parents: Teach Kids to Code Early
Beyond the startup world, Dohmke has advice for families too: “Make your kid learn to code.” In his view, programming will soon become as essential as reading or math in an AI-infused world. It’s not just about becoming a developer — it’s about understanding how technology works and how to shape it ethically.
A New Era of Software Development
GitHub’s CEO paints a picture of a future where humans and AI build side by side — not in competition, but in collaboration. In this world, developers are designers, architects, and ethical decision-makers, using AI as a tool rather than a crutch.
As AI reshapes workflows, one thing is clear: code still needs coders — the kind who think deeply, build sustainably, and never stop learning.