Theory of the Agentic Firm

Uncouple coordination cost from organizational reach.

Published Apr 13, 2026

Author Steve Berry

Theory of the Agentic Firm

All of the recent changes to Claude, OpenClaw, recent "wiggly robot behavior", and having y'all build with the robot — I need to form a better strategy for Slice. My laissez faire approach appears to be closing. For us to be successful—everyone here needs to play with the robot. And we need to play in the real world were there are consequences. Kids playing in a sandbox is adorable. Adults playing in reality is profitable.

That's the only way to learn and grow. Teams that are empowered win. Everyone here should have the ability to break things. My job is that you can only break a glass and not the house, front yard, street, city, earth, humanity.

There is not an obvious strategy for me to attain this goal while maintaining your agency. I cannot, will not, be a gatekeeper. The future is embracing the entropic nature of modern reasoning.

Staging Env

The first step is creating a staging environment for our software for unencumbered play. We'll have a staging URL you can view your work!

Promotion Flow

There will be a channel hosted by an agent whose job it is to deploy work done on staging if it passes currently undefined criteria! Ideally it coaches you, informs me, and ~~prevents~~ reduces the frequency of negative outcomes.

Theory of the Agentic Firm

There is an opportunity to reinvent the theory of the firm using AI. My thesis is the robot can uncouple coordination cost from organizational reach.

Software as the Expression of the Firm

"Software" (whatever that is anymore) is the cumulative expression of our work together. We are all going to create production software which means we are all responsible for the software we put out. Think of it as an expression of our work together. That means everyone here is a software developer whether you like it or not. To realize the promise of an agentic organization, everyone makes things. If you don't — the theory will decay and our outcome will not be as profitable.

This unique paradigm should inspire those that work with us.

This won't happen all at once.

There will be mistakes.

Ask for forgiveness not permission.

Be sure to tip your waitress.