AI + a16z

Automating Developer Email with MCP and Al Agents

Zeno Rocha and Yoko Li

Posted March 21, 2025

In this episode of AI + a16z,  Resend founder and CEO Zeno Rocha sits down with a16z partner Yoko Li to discuss how generative AI — powered by agents and, now, MCP — is reshaping the email experience for developers, as well as the overall world of programming. Among other topics, they dive into:

  • Zeno’s obsession with developer experience has evolved into designing for “agent experience” — a new frontier where LLM-powered agents are not only building products but also operating within them.
  • How email, one of the most ubiquitous tools for developers and end users alike, is being reimagined for a future where agents send, parse, and optimize communication.
  • What it means to build agent-friendly APIs.
  • The emerging MCP protocol, and how AI is collapsing the creative loop for prosumers and developers alike.

Plus, hear the origin story of the Dracula theme for coding tools and Zeno’s side-project obsessions.

Learn more:

What is AX (agent experience) and how to improve it

A deep dive into MCP and the future of AI tooling

Dracula theme

More About This Podcast

Artificial intelligence is changing everything from art to enterprise IT, and a16z is watching all of it with a close eye. This podcast features discussions with leading AI engineers, founders, and experts, as well as our general partners, about where the technology and industry are heading.

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