Former Monzo Co-Founder Aims To Build Fully AI-Managed Businesses

Jonas Templestein, a co-founder of Monzo, shared his idea of a future where companies run without human staff. He explained that these businesses would be fully handled by AI agents. Templestein said this idea may sound like science fiction, but he is working to bring it to life.

In December 2022, Templestein left Monzo to start a new company, Nustom. He said his first plan was to build tools using generative AI to help create SaaS products. However, eight months later, Templestein shared that Nustom had changed its focus. Now, the company wants to use AI to start new businesses.

Templestein Pioneers AI-Run Startups, Envisions Future Without Humans

The first product Nustom has released is called “garple.” Templestein explained that garple helps create domain names for companies.

He described this as a “Level 2 startup,” where AI agents can follow clear instructions to do tasks like writing software or handling customer service. He said this could replace entire departments, such as support or quality checks, with AI systems.

Templestein shared that his long-term goal is for AI agents to fully run businesses. He said these agents could choose what kind of companies to start, find money to fund them, and manage them without human help. He explained that this would not be possible without changes in legal and financial systems. “No humans needed,” he added.

Templestein’s ideas have support from other leaders in the tech world. Tom Blomfield, another former Monzo chief, agreed with his vision and shared his thoughts online.

Similarly, Klarna Chief Executive Officer Sebastian Siemiatkowski shared his views on the rise of AI in the workplace. Klarna, a buy-now-pay-later company, has already reduced its workforce and shared plans to stop hiring humans, stating that AI can handle all the jobs.

Siemiatkowski And Templestein Reflect On AI’s Role In The Future Of Work

Siemiatkowski admitted that the idea of being replaced by AI made him feel uneasy. He shared that work is an important part of his identity, and imagining a world where his role could be done by a machine felt unsettling.

However, he said it is important to face this reality and understand it rather than ignore it. He explained that he wants to learn and adapt as AI changes how people work.

Templestein’s vision reflects a future where AI takes on more tasks traditionally done by humans. He said the goal is not just to improve tools but to create entire companies run by AI systems.

However, he acknowledged that this shift will require significant changes in laws and the way businesses are managed. While some, like Siemiatkowski, feel uneasy about these changes, others are ready to explore how this technology might shape the future of work.