Forward Deployed Engineer

Trading Margin for Moat: Why the Forward Deployed Engineer Is the Hottest Job in Startups | Andreessen Horowitz

The article argues that complex AI applications for enterprises require a "forward deployed engineer" approach, prioritizing hands-on implementation and deep integration over initial high gross margins. Drawing parallels with the success of Salesforce and ServiceNow, it suggests that AI startups should embrace professional services to become indispensable "systems of work," capturing valuable data and building a durable moat. This strategy, though initially sacrificing margin, leads to faster gross profit growth, greater market dominance, and eventually high margins as services become more scalable through AI automation.