From Math Prodigy to AI Genius: How Scott Wu Built Devin

Joe Lonsdale June 12, 2025
Video Thumbnail
Joe Lonsdale Logo

Joe Lonsdale

@joe_lonsdale

About

The world is broken. Let's fix it. Learn from the world's leading innovators and investors who are solving our nation's most pressing challenges -- and doing it in a way that will lift everyone up. Joe Lonsdale is an American entrepreneur, investor & philanthropist. He has been a part of founding more than a dozen mission-driven companies, including Palantir, Addepar, OpenGov, Epirus, and 8VC.

Video Description

Scott Wu took the technology world by storm when he released a demo of Devin, the first AI software engineer. A year later, Devin has gone global, and his company — Cognition AI — is valued at over $4 billion. What are the next leaps for AI coding agents? Could the total economic impact be in the trillions of dollars? And is Scott worried that Devin may someday replace him? Scott's journey to the epicenter of the AI race started in an unlikely place: growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of Chinese immigrants. At an early age, he excelled in math and was fast tracked into high school courses [not held back in the name of equity!], culminating in a national Mathcounts championship and three gold medals in competitive programming at the International Olympiad in Informatics. After highschool, he joined Addepar as a top young software engineer before attending Harvard. Scott gathered his smartest friends and many other math, physics and programming champions under one roof to build Cognition, and when they're not architecting new AI breakthroughs, they're quizzing each other with math games. Learn why the top math minds are dominant in AI and what this tells us about the nature of AI progress and where we're headed next. Plus, the first person to solve one of Scott's tough math challenges in this episode gets free swag [leave your answer in the comments or email [email protected]]. Finally, we discuss the future of software engineering and what AI coding agents mean for economic productivity as tasks that once took months to complete now take a weekend with Devin. Is it a trillion dollar opportunity? It's inspiring to see the impact an optimistic, brilliant mind like Scott can have on the world — and he's still a few years shy of his 30th birthday. Joe Lonsdale is an American entrepreneur, investor & philanthropist. He has been a part of founding more than a dozen mission-driven companies, including Palantir, Addepar, OpenGov, Affinity, Epirus, Resilience Bio, and 8VC. Follow Joe on Twitter: https://x.com/jtlonsdale You can find his writings here: https://blog.joelonsdale.com/ 0:00 Episode intro 1:38 Math prodigy to AI savant 9:43 Origins of Cognition and Devin 11:25 Why are top math minds dominant in AI? 14:40 The next wave of generative AI 18:45 Jagged intelligence & man-machine symbiosis 25:35 Solve Scott's math games 31:05 Scott's argument for AI optimism 35:10 Trillion-dollar opportunity? 39:10 The future of software engineering 42:10 Optimism for the future

AI Dream Kit Essentials

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
10.1 Inch Touch Portable Monitor IPS Screen 1366x768P 60Hz 400 Brightness 99% sRGB HDMI USB-C Monitors Switch for Xbox PS3/4/5 Laptop Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Mini Touch Screen

10.1 Inch Touch Portable Monitor IPS Screen 1366x768P 60Hz 400 Brightness 99% sRGB HDMI USB-C Monitors Switch for Xbox PS3/4/5 Laptop Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Mini Touch Screen

(1)
$99.99
FREE delivery Mon, Aug 11
Loading...
ELECROW 8 Inch Portable Monitor, 1280x800 Mini HD Display with Built-in Speakers, USB Powered, Non-Touch LCD Screen for Raspberry Pi, PC, Laptop, Jetson Nano, Game Consoles

ELECROW 8 Inch Portable Monitor, 1280x800 Mini HD Display with Built-in Speakers, USB Powered, Non-Touch LCD Screen for Raspberry Pi, PC, Laptop, Jetson Nano, Game Consoles

(49)
$117.29$102.21
$6.86 delivery Thu, Aug 14
Loading...
7 Inch Portable Monitor Touchscreen HD 1024x600 LED Display Dual HDMI Port Small Monitor for PC Raspberry Pi Laptop Computer Xbox PS4/5 Switch Built-in Speakers

7 Inch Portable Monitor Touchscreen HD 1024x600 LED Display Dual HDMI Port Small Monitor for PC Raspberry Pi Laptop Computer Xbox PS4/5 Switch Built-in Speakers

(61)
$68.99
FREE delivery Tue, Aug 12
Loading...
BrosTrend 1800Mbps WiFi 6 Linux WiFi Adapter for PC and Raspberry Pi 2+, Long Range USB WiFi Dongle Linux for Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Zorin, Windows 11/10, Dual Band Wireless Antenna

BrosTrend 1800Mbps WiFi 6 Linux WiFi Adapter for PC and Raspberry Pi 2+, Long Range USB WiFi Dongle Linux for Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Zorin, Windows 11/10, Dual Band Wireless Antenna

(288)
$54.14
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 22
Loading...
Deeyaple USB C to Aux, 4FT/1.2M, Type C to 3.5mm Audio Cable Headphone Jack Cable for Car Mobile Phone, iPhone 16 15, iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 S23 S2010, Google Pixel,Oneplus Grey (1)
Best Seller

Deeyaple USB C to Aux, 4FT/1.2M, Type C to 3.5mm Audio Cable Headphone Jack Cable for Car Mobile Phone, iPhone 16 15, iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 S23 S2010, Google Pixel,Oneplus Grey (1)

(78)
$6.99
FREE delivery Fri, Sep 5 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
100W USB C Universal Laptop Charger Fit for Lenovo MacBook HP Dell Acer Asus Thinkpad Google MSI LG Samsung Huawei, ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Chromebook Computer and All USB-C Devices

100W USB C Universal Laptop Charger Fit for Lenovo MacBook HP Dell Acer Asus Thinkpad Google MSI LG Samsung Huawei, ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Chromebook Computer and All USB-C Devices

(19)
$25.99$24.69
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17 on your first order
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
INIU 45W Power Bank, Ultra Small 10000mAh Portable Charger, USB C in&Out Fast Charging Battery Pack, Travel External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 Samsung S25 S24 Google Pixel iPad etc

INIU 45W Power Bank, Ultra Small 10000mAh Portable Charger, USB C in&Out Fast Charging Battery Pack, Travel External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 Samsung S25 S24 Google Pixel iPad etc

(520)
$41.42
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
Car Carplay Woven Cable for iPhone 16 15 3.3FT USB A to USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Carplay Adapter Wire for iPhone 16 15 Pro Max, iPad Pro/Air, Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21 Google Pixel, Car Charger Cable

Car Carplay Woven Cable for iPhone 16 15 3.3FT USB A to USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Carplay Adapter Wire for iPhone 16 15 Pro Max, iPad Pro/Air, Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21 Google Pixel, Car Charger Cable

(213)
$12.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
HAUSOURCE Full Bed Frame with 4 Storage Drawers Bed Frame Full Size with Headboard LED Lights Charging Station Metal Slats Platform Heavy-Duty Support No Box Spring Needed White

HAUSOURCE Full Bed Frame with 4 Storage Drawers Bed Frame Full Size with Headboard LED Lights Charging Station Metal Slats Platform Heavy-Duty Support No Box Spring Needed White

(1,086)
$329.99
Only 5 left in stock.
Loading...
VASAGLE LED Bed Frame Full Size, Storage Headboard and Charging Station, Full Bed Frame with 2 AC Outlets, 1 USB Port, 1 Type-C Port, No Box Spring Needed, Dove Gray and Camel Brown URMB842G01

VASAGLE LED Bed Frame Full Size, Storage Headboard and Charging Station, Full Bed Frame with 2 AC Outlets, 1 USB Port, 1 Type-C Port, No Box Spring Needed, Dove Gray and Camel Brown URMB842G01

(108)
$1,543.78
FREE delivery Jun 20 - Jul 2Only 3 left in stock.
Loading...
VASAGLE LED Bed Frame Full Size with Headboard and 4 Drawers, 1 USB Port and 1 Type C Port, Adjustable Upholstered Headboard, No Box Spring Needed, Dark Grey URMB822G71

VASAGLE LED Bed Frame Full Size with Headboard and 4 Drawers, 1 USB Port and 1 Type C Port, Adjustable Upholstered Headboard, No Box Spring Needed, Dark Grey URMB822G71

(655)
$269.99
FREE delivery Jul 2 - 9
Loading...
AGARTT Upholstered Platform Bed Frame Full Size with Headboard and Footboard/Wooden Slats Support/No Box Spring Needed/Easy Assembly,White Linen

AGARTT Upholstered Platform Bed Frame Full Size with Headboard and Footboard/Wooden Slats Support/No Box Spring Needed/Easy Assembly,White Linen

(1,030)
$188.99
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
Loading...
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

(61,759)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
4K+ bought in past month
Loading...
The Pandy - Emotional Healing on Demand, Realistic Panda Plush for Emotional Support, Mimics Natural Movements for Realistic Comfort, Pandy Ai Plush with Ultra-Soft Fur, The Comfort Hug You Have

The Pandy - Emotional Healing on Demand, Realistic Panda Plush for Emotional Support, Mimics Natural Movements for Realistic Comfort, Pandy Ai Plush with Ultra-Soft Fur, The Comfort Hug You Have

(0)
$19.88
$4.99 delivery Aug 27 - Sep 9
Loading...
Dell P2725H 27" Full HD 1920 x 1080 Monitor - 1 Year Warranty, Computer Monitor Screen Bundle with Power Cable + USB 3.0 Upstream Cable + Display Port Cable + HDMI Cable + Microfiber Cloth Included

Dell P2725H 27" Full HD 1920 x 1080 Monitor - 1 Year Warranty, Computer Monitor Screen Bundle with Power Cable + USB 3.0 Upstream Cable + Display Port Cable + HDMI Cable + Microfiber Cloth Included

(35)
$539.87$539.34
FREE delivery Oct 8 - 10
Loading...
Dell P2425H Computer Monitor Screen 24" 16:9 IPS Display 100Hz w/Stand - 1 Year Warranty, Full HD, 1920 x 1080 with Power Cord + DisplayPort Cable + HDMI Cable + USB 3.0 Cable + Microfiber Cloth

Dell P2425H Computer Monitor Screen 24" 16:9 IPS Display 100Hz w/Stand - 1 Year Warranty, Full HD, 1920 x 1080 with Power Cord + DisplayPort Cable + HDMI Cable + USB 3.0 Cable + Microfiber Cloth

(57)
$981.72
Loading...
Acer PM161Q Bbmiuux 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Portable IPS Display | AMD FreeSync Technology | 4ms (G to G) | 2 Speakers | USB Type-C Cable and Mini HDMI Cable

Acer PM161Q Bbmiuux 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Portable IPS Display | AMD FreeSync Technology | 4ms (G to G) | 2 Speakers | USB Type-C Cable and Mini HDMI Cable

(149)
$157.04$119.76
FREE delivery Mon, Aug 11
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Acer EDA270U Pbmiipx 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) 1500R Curved Widescreen Gaming Display | AMD FreeSync Premium | 1ms (VRB) | up to 170Hz Refresh | HDR 10 | 2 Speakers | Display Port and HDMI Cable Incl.
Amazon's Choice

Acer EDA270U Pbmiipx 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) 1500R Curved Widescreen Gaming Display | AMD FreeSync Premium | 1ms (VRB) | up to 170Hz Refresh | HDR 10 | 2 Speakers | Display Port and HDMI Cable Incl.

(714)
199.96
PrimeFREE delivery Sunday, June 15.
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
Gigastone 32GB 5-Pack Micro SD Card, Camera Plus, Nintendo-Switch Compatible, High Speed 90MB/s, 4K Video Recording, Micro SDHC UHS-I A1 Class 10

Gigastone 32GB 5-Pack Micro SD Card, Camera Plus, Nintendo-Switch Compatible, High Speed 90MB/s, 4K Video Recording, Micro SDHC UHS-I A1 Class 10

(8,903)
$34.98
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
400+ bought in past month
Loading...
Firewall Mini PC Octa-core i3-N305, 32GB DDR5 RAM 512GB SSD, 4 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN Fanless Computer Hardware, Micro Router Appliance, AES-NI, TF Card Slot, Dual 4K Display HDMI 2.1 + DP 1.4

Firewall Mini PC Octa-core i3-N305, 32GB DDR5 RAM 512GB SSD, 4 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN Fanless Computer Hardware, Micro Router Appliance, AES-NI, TF Card Slot, Dual 4K Display HDMI 2.1 + DP 1.4

(0)
$666.99
FREE delivery Jul 3 - 24
Loading...
Inland 32GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card Standard Full Size SD Card USH-I U1 Trail Camera by Micro Center (2 Pack)

Inland 32GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card Standard Full Size SD Card USH-I U1 Trail Camera by Micro Center (2 Pack)

(41,906)
$35.32$35.15
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 15
Loading...
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

(61,759)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
4K+ bought in past month
Loading...
The Pandy - Emotional Healing on Demand, Realistic Panda Plush for Emotional Support, Mimics Natural Movements for Realistic Comfort, Pandy Ai Plush with Ultra-Soft Fur, The Comfort Hug You Have

The Pandy - Emotional Healing on Demand, Realistic Panda Plush for Emotional Support, Mimics Natural Movements for Realistic Comfort, Pandy Ai Plush with Ultra-Soft Fur, The Comfort Hug You Have

(0)
$19.88
$4.99 delivery Aug 27 - Sep 9