Key takeaways
- Mac-native app for running multiple coding agents in parallel on isolated worktrees
- Supports Claude Code and Codex; uses your existing subscriptions (no additional model costs)
- Local-first: all code stays on your machine, agents work in git worktrees
FAQ
What is Conductor?
Conductor is a Mac app that lets you run multiple Claude Code or Codex agents in parallel, each in an isolated git worktree.
How does Conductor work with Claude Code?
Conductor uses however you're already logged into Claude Code — API key, Claude Pro, or Claude Max.
Does Conductor use git worktrees?
Yes, each Conductor workspace is a new git worktree, keeping agents isolated.
Does Conductor compete with Tembo?
Partial overlap — both orchestrate coding agents. Conductor is local Mac-only; Tembo is cloud-based with enterprise integrations.
Executive Summary
Conductor is a Mac desktop application for running multiple Claude Code and Codex agents in parallel. Using git worktrees for isolation, it enables concurrent agent work without merge conflicts. The app targets individual Mac developers who want parallelism without cloud dependencies, using their existing model subscriptions.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Conductor (indie) |
| Founded | 2024 |
| Funding | Bootstrapped |
| Employees | ~2 |
| Headquarters | Unknown |
Product Overview
Conductor is a Mac desktop application for running multiple coding agents in parallel.[1] It creates isolated workspaces using git worktrees, letting you spin up Claude Code or Codex agents that work independently without stepping on each other's changes.
The app focuses on a simple workflow: add your repo, deploy agents to isolated workspaces, then review and merge their changes from a unified interface.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Parallel Agents | Run multiple Claude Code or Codex instances simultaneously |
| Git Worktrees | Each agent works in isolated worktree |
| Unified Dashboard | See all agent status and pending reviews |
| No Extra Costs | Uses existing Claude/Codex subscriptions |
| Local-First | All code stays on your Mac |
Product Surfaces / Editions
| Surface | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Mac Desktop App | Native macOS application | GA |
| Agent Dashboard | Status and review interface | GA |
Technical Architecture
Platform: macOS only (native Mac app)
Isolation model: Git worktrees[2] — each agent workspace is a separate worktree, meaning:
- Agents can work in parallel without merge conflicts
- Changes are isolated until you explicitly merge
- Same repo, different branches, concurrent work
Key Technical Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Local Mac app |
| Model(s) | Claude Code, Codex (via existing subscriptions) |
| Integrations | Git |
| Open Source | No (proprietary) |
Agent integration: Conductor doesn't include its own model access. It wraps Claude Code[3] and Codex, using your existing login/API keys. The app is actively maintained with regular updates.[4]
Strengths
- True parallelism — Multiple agents working simultaneously on the same repo
- No additional costs — Uses your existing Claude/Codex subscriptions
- Clean isolation — Git worktrees prevent agents from conflicting
- Local-first — All code stays on your Mac
- Simple UX — Dashboard shows agent status and pending reviews
- Native performance — Mac-native app, not Electron
Cautions
- Mac-only — No Windows, Linux, or cloud support
- Limited agent support — Only Claude Code and Codex; no Cursor, no open-source agents
- No enterprise features — No team management, no Jira integration, no signed commits
- Early stage — Product quality concerns noted in market research[5]
- Individual-focused — No collaboration features for teams
- No background execution — Agents run while app is open
- Limited integrations — No issue tracker support
Pricing & Licensing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Unknown | Full Mac app access |
Licensing model: Subscription (pricing not publicly disclosed)
Hidden costs: Requires existing Claude Code or Codex subscriptions
Competitive Positioning
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| Emdash | Emdash supports 20+ agents and issue integration; Conductor is simpler but limited |
| Codex App | Codex App is OpenAI-only with cloud sandboxes; Conductor is local with multi-provider |
| Tembo | Tembo has enterprise features (Jira, signed commits, BYOK); Conductor is individual-focused |
| Crystal | Crystal has A/B testing; Conductor has simpler UX |
When to Choose Conductor Over Alternatives
- Choose Conductor when: You want simple Mac-native parallelism for Claude Code/Codex
- Choose Emdash when: You need broader agent support or issue tracker integration
- Choose Codex App when: You want cloud sandboxes and OpenAI-native features
- Choose Tembo when: You need enterprise integrations and team features
Ideal Customer Profile
Best fit:
- Individual Mac developers who want parallel coding agents
- Users with existing Claude Code or Codex subscriptions
- Developers who prefer local tools over cloud services
- Engineers who value simple, focused UX
Poor fit:
- Teams needing collaboration features
- Enterprises requiring Jira, signed commits, or compliance
- Windows or Linux users
- Developers wanting to use agents beyond Claude Code/Codex
Viability Assessment
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | Uncertain — bootstrapped, no disclosed funding |
| Market Position | Niche — early entrant, limited scope |
| Innovation Pace | Moderate — focused on core features |
| Community/Ecosystem | Limited — individual developer tool |
| Long-term Outlook | Uncertain — depends on market evolution |
Conductor is a bootstrapped product with unclear long-term viability. The narrow focus (Mac-only, two agents) limits market size. Competition from well-funded alternatives (Codex App, Emdash) may squeeze the product.
Bottom Line
Conductor validates market demand for agent orchestration UX. The git worktree approach is clever — true isolation without the overhead of multiple clones.
However, the Mac-only, individual-developer focus limits its market. Teams needing enterprise features (Jira, signed commits, multi-user coordination) won't find them here.
Recommended for: Solo Mac developers who want simple parallel Claude Code/Codex execution with local-first architecture.
Not recommended for: Teams, enterprises, or anyone needing broader agent support or integrations.
Outlook: Conductor may struggle as better-funded alternatives (Codex App, Emdash) expand features. The narrow focus is both strength (simplicity) and weakness (limited market).
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology