What is MCP, and why does it matter for my agents?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard, started by Anthropic in late 2024 and since adopted by OpenAI and Google, that works like a USB-C port for AI: one plug that connects any agent to any tool or data source. Instead of writing a custom integration per app, you point your agent at ready-made MCP servers for Gmail, Notion, GitHub, your database and thousands more. For a founder it means your agent can reach your actual business systems in minutes, though every new connection also widens what the agent can touch, so grant access deliberately.

A quick orientation. The real value is below: resources worth your time, from people who've actually done it.