February 20, 2026
Vibes vs. Spreadsheets
A16Z partner says that the theory that we'll vibe code everything is ' wrong'
VC says “don’t vibe‑code everything” — internet calls cap, bag‑holding, and says “touch grass”
TLDR: A16z’s Anish Acharya says AI shouldn’t rebuild every office tool and software stocks sold off too hard; focus AI on core value instead. Comments erupted: skeptics accuse VCs of bag‑talking, pragmatists say “use the right tool,” and memes mock the “bazooka vs. payroll” line—because everyone’s job feels on the line.
A16z partner Anish Acharya just threw cold water on the “AI will build everything” fantasy, saying companies shouldn’t “vibe‑code” all their software and should instead aim the AI “bazooka” at core business problems. Translation: don’t waste robots rebuilding payroll and customer databases; use them where they actually move money. He also called last week’s software stock crash “oversold,” echoing investor Vinod Khosla’s “ignore the stock chart, watch real usage” mantra.
Cue the food fight. The loudest chorus? “Stop listening to VCs.” One commenter blasted A16z as conflicted kingmakers, accusing them of agenda‑setting while AI eats the world. Another swore off Marc Andreessen’s crew entirely, comparing this to crypto hype season and calling today’s take damage control. On the flip side, a calmer camp rolled its eyes at the drama: “Both AI fanatics and AI luddites need to touch grass,” they said—use the tool where it fits, like voice tech for sales calls, not as a magic wand for every spreadsheet.
Meanwhile, Acharya’s “bazooka vs. payroll” line became instant meme bait: pictures of bazookas aimed at HR, jokes about vibe‑coding someone’s expense report, and links to think‑pieces claiming the “SaaS‑pocalypse” is overhyped. Bottom line: the market panicked after Anthropic’s office‑assistant AI, the VC says keep calm and focus, and the internet says… we’ll believe it when our jobs stop shaking.
Key Points
- •A16z partner Anish Acharya said companies should not use AI-assisted coding to rebuild every business function and called the “vibe code everything” thesis wrong.
- •He estimated software is 8%–12% of company expenses, so AI-rebuilding ERP/CRM/payroll would yield limited savings and add risk.
- •Acharya advised focusing AI on core business development and optimizing the remaining 90% of costs; he expects some secular losers but not a wholesale shift.
- •He argued software stocks are oversold after a rough week, partly triggered by concerns over an Anthropic AI tool for legal clerical tasks.
- •Investor Vinod Khosla said stock prices should be ignored; API call volume is a better metric of AI usage and he dismissed bubble fears while usage stays high.