"I think my software engineers will go away. They will not have jobs within two years." - Naveen Tewari

magine a world where 80% of software coding is done not by humans, but by machines—faster, better, and self-correcting.

Now stop imagining: that world is arriving by the end of 2025, at least according to Naveen Tewari, founder and CEO of InMobi.

Speaking at a recent LetsVenture event, Tewari dropped a bombshell for tech professionals: his company is on track to automate 80% of its software engineering tasks this year, putting jobs on the chopping block.

“My software engineers will go away,” he said bluntly. “They will not have jobs within two years.”

This isn’t just a wake-up call for coders—it’s a seismic shift for anyone who earns a living in a specialized field.

So, what does this mean for the future of work and learning? Let’s unpack Tewari’s warning and explore how we can adapt to an AI-driven world that’s already at our doorstep.

The Automation Wave Is Accelerating

InMobi, a tech conglomerate with two arms—InMobi Ads (B2B advertising tech) and Glance (B2C smart lock screen tech)—is doubling down on an AI-first strategy.

Tewari revealed that his CTO has already achieved 50% automation in software coding, with a target of 80% by December 2025.

The result? Machine-generated code that outperforms human efforts in speed and quality, even fixing its own bugs.

This isn’t a distant sci-fi scenario; it’s happening now.Tewari’s prediction aligns with what he told The Economic Times in September 2024: “By now, you are either going to be a GenAI-led company, or you will not survive.”

For InMobi, this isn’t just rhetoric.

The company began overhauling its operations with AI in early 2024, betting on a “winner-takes-most” market where early adopters dominate. And they’re not alone—across industries, AI is creeping into roles once thought untouchable.

Who’s at Risk? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Coders)Tewari’s warning isn’t limited to software engineers.

He argued that AI will “first come for the highly specialized jobs”—the ones requiring deep technical expertise that machines can now replicate or exceed. But the ripple effect doesn’t stop there.

He even called out investors, pointing out that AI models can already outsmart human decision-making in picking winners. “The only part the model cannot replicate is human psychology,” he noted.

If you can’t read people better than a machine can analyze data, your job might be next.This raises a chilling question: In a world where AI handles the technical and analytical heavy lifting, what’s left for us humans?

The Survival Plan: Upgrade or Fade Away

Tewari didn’t mince words when addressing his employees:

“Upgrade yourself, don’t ask me to upgrade you. Because this is survival. The world underneath you is shifting.”

It’s a stark reminder that the responsibility to stay relevant lies with individuals, not employers. AI isn’t just changing how we work; it’s redefining what skills matter.

So, what does “upgrading” look like?

For tech professionals, it might mean shifting from writing code to overseeing AI systems, interpreting their outputs, or designing creative solutions machines can’t dream up.

For others, it’s about leaning into uniquely human traits—empathy, intuition, and the ability to navigate messy, unpredictable human interactions. Tewari’s point about human psychology being AI’s blind spot is a clue: the future belongs to those who can blend tech fluency with emotional intelligence.

Learning in the Age of AI

If work is transforming, so must learning.

The old model of mastering a skill and coasting for decades is dead. Continuous upskilling is the new norm, but it’s not just about taking more coding bootcamps (those might soon be obsolete anyway).

It’s about cultivating adaptability—learning how to learn, unlearn, and relearn as AI reshapes the landscape.

Employers can help by fostering cultures of experimentation and growth, but Tewari’s message is clear: don’t wait for someone else to hand you the tools.

Seek out AI literacy, explore interdisciplinary skills, and double down on what makes you human. The stakes are high—survival in this new world demands proactivity.

The Bigger Picture

InMobi’s pivot reflects a broader truth: AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a force rewriting the rules of competition.

Early adopters like Tewari’s company could indeed claim a “disproportionate advantage,” leaving laggards scrambling. For workers, the choice is stark—evolve or risk irrelevance.

For learners, it’s an opportunity to rethink what education means when machines can outcode, outanalyze, and outpace us in technical domains.

What’s Next?Naveen Tewari’s vision of an AI-driven future isn’t a distant prophecy—it’s unfolding in real time.

By the end of 2025, we’ll see if InMobi’s 80% automation goal becomes a blueprint for others. One thing is certain: the ground is shifting, and standing still isn’t an option.

So, I’ll leave you with this: How are you preparing for the AI revolution? What skills are you betting on to stay ahead? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating this brave new world.