This Week in Startups

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

Dec 1, 2023

David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founder of Basecamp and creator of Ruby on Rails, discusses the exciting shift towards a post-SaaS era with his new venture Once.com, offering a one-time purchase model for software. He also explores the challenges of remote work culture at Basecamp, emphasizing the importance of maintaining core values amidst internal struggles. DHH shares insights on navigating startup success by adapting strategies to a remote workforce and the need for a balance between innovation and caution, especially in the evolving landscape of AI.

01:21:37

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Episode guests

David Heinemeier Hansson

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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

Intro

2min

Rethinking Software Delivery: From SaaS to One-Time Purchases

7min

Advancements in Tech and the Evolution of SaaS Solutions

4min

The Art of Writing in Business Software

7min

Navigating Startup Success in a Remote Work Era

5min

Navigating Modern Work Culture

7min

Embracing Constraints: The Value of Hybrid Solutions and Resourcefulness in Startups

5min

Navigating Chaos: Meritocracy vs. Identity Politics

12min

AI Evolution: Balancing Progress and Caution

20min

10.

Resilience Through Discomfort

13min

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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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