Will AI actually replace software developers in startups?

AI is already replacing some narrow tasks that used to take developer time, such as writing boilerplate code or performing straightforward refactors. But startups still need humans to understand users, make trade offs, design systems, and take responsibility for outcomes. What is changing is the shape of the developer role: less time on repetitive tasks, more time on architecture, integration, and product thinking. Teams that ignore AI risk falling behind in speed, while teams that rely on it blindly risk fragile systems and security issues. The winners will be developers and companies that treat AI as a serious assistant, not as magic and not as a threat.