Distributed. Linear cofounder on feedback, focus, and building remote-first teams with Jori Lallo
Sep 4, 2025
Jori Lallo, co-founder of Linear, discusses the philosophy behind building a product-first company. He explains the importance of creating a unique culture rooted in feedback and rigorous hiring practices, even in a remote-first environment. The conversation delves into how taste influences software design and how AI is reshaping collaboration. Lallo also shares insights on navigating team dynamics across Europe and the U.S., highlighting the balance between social interaction and focused work, aiming to create a truly collaborative workflow.
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Built Product Before Business
- The Linear founders built product first, then the business, coding for 6–12 months before incorporating.
- They focused on making a better issue-tracking tool because existing tools felt wrong to them.
Model Reality, Say No Often
- Linear modeled the tool around real team structures and rhythms instead of forcing users into rigid workflows.
- They prioritized saying no to features to keep flexibility and focus for small startup teams.
Invite Open Feedback Early
- Invite feedback early and openly while building features so the team can iterate quickly.
- Use public critiques like feature 'roasts' to gather structured input and refine designs.