Vercel is automating entry-level jobs by training AI agents on its best employees’ work habits, reducing 10-person teams to just one and a bot.
SAN FRANCISCO: As AI rapidly reshapes the workplace, developer-focused startup Vercel is taking a bold — and controversial — step into the future. The $9.3 billion company has started using AI agents trained on how its top-performing employees work, with the goal of automating routine tasks and replacing multiple entry-level roles.
The move has already had a big impact. In one team, a function that once required 10 people now runs with just one employee — plus an AI agent that handles most of the day-to-day tasks.
Founded by coder Guillermo Rauch in 2015, Vercel is best known for building tools that help developers launch websites and applications efficiently in the cloud. Now, it’s applying its own tech philosophy to internal operations — using AI to optimise how teams work.
The AI agents don’t just follow scripts. Instead, they’re trained on the workflows and behaviours of Vercel’s most effective team members. This lets the bots make decisions, respond to issues, and learn how to manage tasks like customer support, data entry, or internal coordination — all with less human input.
Vercel’s approach taps into a growing trend among tech companies: leveraging AI not just for product features, but to overhaul internal operations. It’s part of a broader wave where AI is used to automate repetitive tasks, reduce costs, and shift human workers to more strategic roles.
Still, the shift raises questions about the future of junior-level jobs. While Vercel says it’s aiming to free up talent for higher-value work, critics worry this kind of automation could shrink opportunities for early-career professionals to gain experience and grow.
As the AI revolution reshapes job roles across industries, Vercel’s AI-powered teams may be a preview of how many tech companies will soon operate — leaner, faster, and increasingly digital.
