AI Builds Custom Software and Replaces Tedious Dev Work with Edmundo Ortega of Machine & Partners

In this episode, Edmundo Ortega, partner at Machine & Partners, joins to explore how AI is transforming the way we build and ship software. He shares real-world use cases—from cutting document processing time by thousands of hours to prototyping apps with tools like Bolt in under 15 minutes. We also dive into: • How non-technical team members can now contribute to development • How Ed uses Claude to write in his own voice • Why leaders should think beyond cost savings to unlock AI’s full potential Whether you're a developer, founder, or team leader, this episode will reshape how you think about building with AI. Timestamps 00:00 – The promise of AI beyond cost savings 01:10 – Edmundo's background and the founding of Machine & Partners 04:40 – How Machine & Partners identifies and builds AI use cases 05:45 – Personal shift to an AI-powered workstyle 07:00 – Building internal tools using Bolt 09:20 – Demo: Creating a chart parser app using Bolt 12:00 – Claude vs. ChatGPT for writing with custom instructions1 5:15 – Use case: Automating document extraction for analysts 21:00 – Workflow transformation with AI and report generation 25:15 – PMs using AI to prototype and inspire devs 33:00 – AI's impact on team structure and dev productivity 38:24 – How to get in touch with Ed and his advice for the next 18 months Tools & Technologies Mentioned • Bolt (bolt.new) • Claude 3.7 (Anthropic) • ChatGPT / GPT-4.5 • Cursor (AI coding assistant) • Chart.js• Google Sheets • OpenAI API • Replit • N8N • Make.com • Gumloop • Relay • SectionSchool.com Subscribe at⁠ thisnewway.com⁠ to get the step-by-step playbooks, tools, and workflows.