Y Combinator leader invests significant sum in AI agent technology

Tan utilizes these agents for a wide range of tasks, including coding projects and streamlining his workflow. He has even publicly shared his custom set of 23 Claude Code skills, dubbed “gstack,” on Github to educate others about the capabilities of AI agents.

Beyond basic research and preparation for interviews, Tan’s AI agent assists in managing his daily life, having access to his email, Dropbox files, Apple Notes, and even therapy records spanning two decades. He describes the experience as having a constant, personalized assistant, akin to “a Jiminy Cricket on your shoulder.”

Tan emphasizes that AI agents should not be treated like conventional software, cautioning against prioritizing safety and repeatability at the expense of their unique, human-like qualities. Y Combinator is currently leveraging an internal AI agent called Stray Light, which possesses a distinct personality and a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s history, including data on founders and applicants.

While Tan is a strong proponent of personal AI agents, he acknowledges the current high costs as a barrier to widespread adoption. He recognizes that his level of investment represents a “crazy privilege.” He also expressed reservations about relying on AI agents controlled by large technology companies, advocating for personalized AI systems that users can directly program and manage.