Not Humans: Shopify CEO's Radical Mandate Catching VC Attention

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Last week, an internal memo from Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke was circulated that perfectly crystallizes what many forward-thinking investors have been quietly discussing: AI isn't just changing the game—it's creating an entirely new playing field with different rules of engagement.

⁘Reflexive AI usage is now a baseline expectation at Shopify,⁘ Lütke declared in the memo, setting a clear marker for what he considers essential skills for the company's continued growth and competitive edge.

The memo outlines a significant cultural and operational shift at one of tech's most influential e-commerce companies. Lütke's directive leaves little room for interpretation: learning to use AI effectively is no longer optional at Shopify.

⁘Using AI effectively is now a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify,⁘ Lütke writes. ⁘It's a tool of all trades today, and will only grow in importance.⁘

In perhaps the most direct assessment of what this means for employees reluctant to embrace AI tools, Lütke states: ⁘I don't think it's feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft; you are welcome to try, but I want to be honest I cannot see this working out today, and definitely not tomorrow. Stagnation is almost certain, and stagnation is slow-motion failure.⁘

This stance represents one of the most explicit corporate positions on AI adoption to date, with Lütke effectively telling his team that AI proficiency has become as fundamental as other basic workplace skills.

The memo details several concrete changes to Shopify's operations, indicating this isn't merely aspirational guidance but a structural shift in how the company functions:

These changes signal that Shopify is not just encouraging AI adoption but actively restructuring its operational framework around AI capabilities, with implications for everything from project timelines to team composition.

Lütke's memo frames AI adoption not merely as a technical requirement but as a strategic business imperative directly tied to Shopify's competitive position in enabling entrepreneurship.