What Software Engineers and Indie Hackers Need to Know to Profit on the AI Agent Hype
Read this if you feel like you are behind the AI Agent hype
Hey System Thinker,
Let me start with a story.
It was 2014, and I was in Florianópolis with an artist acquaintance in a group chat.
Someone asked me what I did for a living, and I replied that I worked in software. In the middle of the conversation, I mentioned that everything that could be automated eventually would be. That’s when the artist jumped in, passionately declaring:
“You can’t ever automate art. Computers can’t create art!”
At the time, I wasn’t so sure. I suspected it might be possible because, after all, art is built on inputs—what inspires the human mind to create.
Today, 11 years later, I’m certain: computers can do far more than we ever imagined.
What’s the deal with the new tech hype?
AI is improving exponentially, and in 2025, the buzzword of the year is AI agents.
The term is everywhere, unlocking endless possibilities. But what are AI agents exactly?
If LLMs are the brain, agents are the body. They plan, act, and reflect on their actions in pursuit of a goal.
However, the term seems to mean two different things:
True AI agents: Hypothetical systems that think, learn, and act autonomously with contextual understanding similar to human reasoning.
Task-specific automation tools: Today’s practical implementations—LLMs connected to scripts, APIs, or tools like Zapier, executing predefined tasks with limited adaptability.
While these tools are impressive at streamlining workflows, they’re still reactive, relying on human inputs and rigid definitions. They don’t truly “think” or evolve in a meaningful way—yet.
But the hype has created a gold rush, and I respect that.
What does this mean for Software Engineers and Indie Hackers?
If you’ve built software before, you’re already in a prime position to capitalize on this trend.
Here’s the truth: everyone is using the same tools and providers. As long as you’re willing to learn and solve real problems, you can jump in, ride the wave, and call yourself an AI agent expert after just 20 hours of focused study.
Here’s the breakdown:
The Stack
The Opportunities
The Playbook
The Stack
95% of the market is using the same tools—and they’re not cutting-edge agentic technology.
Most rely on popular LLMs like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity, and Llama. While these tools are innovative, they’re accessible enough for anyone to start.
The opportunity is there for the taking.
The Opportunities
Today, many tasks that require humans to create content are ripe for disruption.
AI is transforming this space. A significant slice of the market depends on content for growth and marketing strategies, and many don’t need state-of-the-art copywriting or design. AI is already “good enough” for these needs.
People crave speed and convenience. They want independence and hate relying on others. AI tools shift the power dynamic, creating opportunities for those who can deliver on this promise.
Can you?
The Playbook
Here’s a quick exercise: look at your work and ask yourself, What will I automate first?
Deploy a simple site or build an extension that connects to an LLM via API. Create a workflow, and you’re off to the races. This is the era of framework and process builders. Embrace AI.
It’s new. It works. And it’s here.
If you needed permission…
I know developers tend to over-prepare, so let me say this: if you’re waiting for permission to start shipping great software, you’ve got it.
After just 20 hours of focused study, you can become an expert. Seriously. Forget gurus and naysayers—no one really knows what they’re doing yet. The playground is wide open.
I rely on automation to manage my five teams, and now I’m diving into how I can replace manual scripts with AI-powered automations—or should I say, AI agents.
The opportunities are endless. Are you ready to start?
Cheers,
Thiago V Ricieri
System Thinker @ Systematic Success
Maker @ Making of a Maker
Engineering Manager, Apps @ Pluto TV / Paramount Global
Founder @ Ghost Ship & Co.
Digital Nomad @ Instagram, Threads, X.com, LinkedIn, GitHub, Website
PS... I started Systematic Success to share the secrets I’ve accumulated over the past decade—leading teams, working remotely, and building proven systems. In the age of AI, the future will be owned by those who can create and frameworks and scale processes. If you found value in this edition, consider sharing it with a friend. And feel free to reach out with any questions about creating leverage, running independent teams, or building systems—I’d love to help!
PPS... Simplifying systems isn’t about cutting complexity blindly—it’s about finding clarity in the chaos. With the right framework, you can refine any workflow without breaking it. Read the previous issue if you’re ready to take control of complexity.
PPPS… I ran a survey on Threads and discovered that many people are eager to learn more about entrepreneurship and how AI makes starting a startup easier than ever. So, I launched a new newsletter, Making of a Maker, where I’ll share tips on Startups, AI, and the path to becoming an Indie Hacker.