Distributed. Raycast founder Thomas Paul Mann on iOS, community, and quality
Jun 12, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Thomas Paul Mann, cofounder and CEO of Raycast, discusses the successful launch of their iOS app with surprising stealth. He shares insights on prioritizing community engagement over data metrics and the importance of hiring through referrals to maintain quality. Thomas highlights how their biweekly shipping schedule and dogfooding practices enhance product reliability. Additionally, he reflects on navigating startup life during the pandemic and building an effective remote team, emphasizing the power of user feedback in shaping their culture.
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Raycast iOS Launch Experience
- Thomas Paul Mann described the iOS launch day as overwhelming but energizing due to enthusiastic user reception.
- The team actively engaged with users on social media and Slack to provide immediate feedback and support.
Why iOS Before Windows
- Raycast prioritized iOS over Windows due to the natural demand for AI features on the go.
- Their iOS app supports AI chats and notes, enabling content creation outside Mac.
COVID Impact on YC and Remote Shift
- Thomas recalled how COVID disrupted their YC demo day, forcing remote pitching and relocation to London.
- This abrupt change catalyzed their transition to a fully remote company spread across Europe.