Subvolts take Agents will transform enterprise software, making data access and systems of record agent-first. Apr 21, 2026 - Developers
- Learn how agent-first design principles might change the tools and platforms you build.
- Business
- Understand the strategic shifts needed in enterprise software and data management for an AI agent future.
This interview with a prominent enterprise software CEO provides a forward-looking perspective on AI's impact.
The Agent Era: Building Software Beyond Chat with Box CEO Aaron Levie
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From Subvolts
Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.
AI + a16z features Box CEO Aaron Levie discussing the future of enterprise software as agents become primary users. They explore why coding agents excel, the impact of abstraction layers on the workforce, and necessary changes to data access and systems of record in an agent-first environment.
Imagine software that works for you, not just with you. This episode explores how AI agents will start using software directly, changing how businesses operate. It covers how these smart assistants will handle tasks and what companies need to do to prepare.
This episode offers insights into how AI agents will reshape enterprise software, moving beyond simple chat interfaces. It's for business leaders and technologists considering the strategic implications of AI adoption. The discussion on agent capabilities and data infrastructure directly relates to ongoing advancements in large language models and enterprise AI solutions by frontier labs like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.
- Hosta16z
- GuestAaron LevieCEO, Box
- Guest: Aaron Levie, CEO at Box
- Show: AI + a16z
- Length: 60 minutes
- Discussion Focus: What happens to enterprise software when agents become the primary users
Erik Torenberg, Steve Sinofsky, and Martin Casado speak to Aaron Levie, CEO at Box, about what happens to enterprise software when agents become the primary users. They discuss why coding agents succeed where other knowledge work agents struggle, what abstraction layers mean for the workforce, and how data access and systems of record must change in an agent-first world.
Follow Aaron Levie on X: https://twitter.com/levie
Follow Steve Sinofsky on X: https://twitter.com/stevesi
Follow Martin Casado on X: https://twitter.com/martin_casado
Follow Erik Torenberg on X: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg
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- abstraction layers
- Steve Sinofsky
- levels of complexity that hide underlying details
- systems of record
- Martin Casado
- the authoritative source of truth for business data
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1 h 05
31 min
1 h 1359 minQuestions people ask
- What is the main topic of the podcast episode?
- The episode discusses how enterprise software will change when AI agents become the primary users, moving beyond simple chat interactions.
- Who is featured in the episode?
- The episode features Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, in conversation with hosts Erik Torenberg, Steve Sinofsky, and Martin Casado.
Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to a16z.