How Merge uses AI (w/ Co-founder & CTO Gil Feig)

Merge is revolutionizing how companies integrate AI into their operations by mandating its use across all departments, from engineering to recruiting, to foster skill development and efficiency. Under the leadership of co-founder and CTO Gil Feig, Merge utilizes AI tools like Windsurf for code generation and review, emphasizing the importance of effective prompting to enhance productivity. While AI has shown significant impact in developing new products with minimal technical debt, its application to older codebases remains challenging. Beyond engineering, AI has been notably beneficial in recruiting, aiding in candidate identification and outreach. However, AI's influence in sales for enterprise deals remains limited due to the need for nuanced relationships. Merge prioritizes hiring for curiosity and adaptability over specific AI expertise, encouraging a culture of experimentation and continuous learning through small-scale AI projects. This cultural shift towards AI is reinforced by promoting AI usage as a default practice and celebrating innovative applications that boost confidence and foster a collaborative environment.