Scaling DevTools Retool founder David Hsu: AI, future of DevTools & how Retool got their first customers
Feb 20, 2026
David Hsu, founder and CEO of Retool, a low-code platform for internal tools. He recounts building Retool’s first prototype in weeks and landing early customers. Conversation covers shifting focus to semi-technical builders, how LLMs and agents give tools action, and the future of interfaces beyond screens.
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Unexpected High‑Impact Use Cases
- Retool customers used the product for unexpected, high-impact tasks like moving satellites and saving turtles.
- These stories show developer tools reach across industries in surprising ways.
LLMs Need Arms And Legs
- Large language models are very capable but lack the ability to act in the real world without tooling.
- Giving LLMs specific connectors to business systems (databases, APIs) unlocks practical value.
Tomorrow's Developers
- Retool now targets