Introduction

Over the past two years, my journey has been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and exciting accomplishments. From competitive programming to building innovative products, I’ve had the privilege of being part of remarkable teams and making a meaningful impact. Let’s dive into some key moments from my journey.

Building at Cognition Labs

I’m currently at Cognition Labs, where we’re pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. Our latest creation, Devin, is the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer. Devin can plan, execute complex tasks, learn, fix mistakes, and collaborate with human engineers. It’s been an exhilarating experience to contribute to this groundbreaking project.

Meta (Facebook) Hacker Cup Victory

In August 2022, I clinched victory in the Meta Hacker Cup round. After stumbling on a problem last year, I was determined to succeed this time. I went head-to-head with over 27,000 competitors, and the result was a sweet win. Check out my video where I compete and explain my thought process.

Tech Industry Insights

I’ve observed some interesting trends in the tech industry. Surprisingly, some of the biggest tech companies, despite sitting on piles of cash, are slowing down or freezing hiring. They should be gobbling up talent while others struggle. Additionally, I’ve been closely following the availability of Paxlovid during the pandemic. It’s frustrating to see its limited availability, especially when friends are suffering from COVID-19.

Hyper-Growth at Ramp

Before joining Cognition Labs, I had an incredible stint at Ramp. In less than a year, I witnessed hyper-growth firsthand. Working in a truly dynamic environment taught me invaluable lessons about scaling engineering teams and maintaining velocity. From building payments infrastructure to AI-driven solutions, it was a rollercoaster ride of learning and impact.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the past two years, I’m grateful for the opportunities, the challenges, and the amazing people I’ve met. My mantra remains: create amazing products that people will love. Whether it’s code, AI, or innovative tools, the journey continues, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.

Neal Wu