Replit’s Amjad Masad on the Cursor deal, fighting Apple, and why he’d rather not sell

At TechCrunch's sold-out StrictlyVC event in San Francisco on Thursday night, the tech industry’s most pressing questions took center stage. Replit's Amjad Masad addressed the massive speculation currently rippling through the sector regarding major acquisitions and market dominance.

The $60 Billion Cursor Rumor

The conversation began with a question that is currently dominating the landscape: in a world where rival Cursor is reportedly in talks to be acquired by SpaceX for $60 billion, is Replit also bound to sell? This massive valuation has sent shockwaves through the development tool market.

Why Amjad Masad Prefers Independence

While the prospect of a multi-billion dollar buyout is tempting, the discussion highlighted why staying independent remains a priority for Amjad Masad. The event touched on several pivotal industry tensions:

  • The implications of the potential Cursor and SpaceX deal.
  • Strategies for competing against established giants like Apple.
  • The strategic decision behind Replit's refusal to sell.

As the tech landscape shifts, the debate over whether developers should seek massive exits or build long-term empires continues to intensify.