This Week in Startups

David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH) on the ‘Post-SaaS era' | E1856

Dec 1, 2023

01:21:37

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David Heinemeier Hansson, an expert on the 'Post-SaaS era', joins the podcast to discuss the shift from SaaS to product businesses, the evolving landscape of remote work, navigating internal culture struggles at Basecamp, and the potential for small startups to compete and disrupt larger companies. They also touch on the changing cost structure for startups, the impact of remote work on business models and costs, the benefits of living under constraints, and the power of AI in learning.

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Quick takeaways

Startups will adopt AI, remote work, and individual effectiveness to thrive without relying on large investments.

Introducing product alternatives can foster healthy competition and offer more cost-effective solutions in the software industry.

Effective copywriting can differentiate a company's message and resonate with potential customers.

Deep dives

Startups embracing new possibilities with AI, remote work, and individual entrepreneurship

The speaker predicts that more startups will adopt the same approach as they did in 2004, leveraging AI, remote work, and individual effectiveness to realize their potential without relying on large investments. The window for massive funding rounds has closed, and startups are now finding alternative ways to thrive.

Copywriting at 37 Signals

01:23

The Challenges of Competing with Established SaaS Services

01:22

The Advantage of Starting a Profitable Business

01:22

The Lag Between Technology and Culture in Business Models

01:24

Introduction

4min

The Shift from SaaS to Product Businesses

6min

Discussion on Entry-Level Computers, Selling Software, and a Sponsored Ad for Vanta

2min

Branding and Domain Names in the Startup Industry

8min

The Changing Cost Structure for Startups and the Impact of Remote Work on Startup Culture

2min

The Impact of Remote Work on Business Models and Costs for Startups

6min

Competing and Disrupting Larger Companies

6min

Living Under Constraints: The Benefits of Less Money and Resources

26min

The Power of AI and its Impact on Learning

21min

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Today’s show:

DHH joins Jason to discuss a post-SaaS world and Once.com (2:29), the evolving landscape of remote work (21:31), navigating internal culture struggles at Basecamp (32:53), and much more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) DHH joins Jason

(2:29) David discusses his new SaaS alternative Once.com, which charges a one-time fee rather than a recurring subscription

(10:44) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(11:50) David's philosophy on copyrighting

(20:17) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(21:31) The evolving landscape of remote work

(31:46) Equinix - Join the Equinix Startup Program for up to $100K in credits and much more at https://equinixstartups.com

(32:53) The state of fundraising and DHH recounts Basecamp's internal culture struggles

(49:03) Should AI progress should be accelerated or slowed down?

(1:08:08) How willful exposure to hardship can build grit and resilience.

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