Valon implements AI restriction policy for new employees

AI startup Valon has implemented a counterintuitive policy requiring new employees to temporarily disable AI tools during their training period. CEO Andrew Wang stated that the decision follows a period of unrestricted AI use where staff relied on expensive models even for simple tasks.

Wang noted that this reliance prevented new hires from fully understanding core workflows and developing the judgment necessary to identify AI errors. The policy applies to most departments, including finance and HR, though engineers are exempt due to existing peer-review processes.

The move is also intended to control costs. Valon expects its annualized token expenditure to drop from an estimated $15 million to $20 million down to approximately $4 million to $5 million. The company, valued at $1.75 billion in 2024, provides AI-agent-driven mortgage software.