Bob McGrew explores how the Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) model, pioneered at Palantir, enables startups to achieve product-market fit by embedding engineers directly with customers. This hands-on approach fosters rapid learning, outcome-based solutions, and scalable product discovery. FDE teams act like internal startups, using real-world feedback to shape durable platforms while balancing customization with generalization. Today’s AI companies are adopting this model to build agents and new product categories through deep client collaboration, not just software sales. Leadership, risk-taking, and demo-driven development are critical to success. The model mirrors military field operations—empowering teams to solve problems autonomously. As AI advances outpace enterprise adoption, agile startups serve as vital bridges, translating cutting-edge research into tangible value, much like FDEs once did for data platforms.