Karri Saarinen, Co-founder and CEO of Linear, former principal designer at Airbnb and founding designer at Coinbase, discusses prioritizing craft in product development, Linear's unique hiring strategies, the importance of design in 2023, strategies for staying focused, and a sneak peek of a soon-to-be-released Linear feature.

Karri Saarinen, Co-founder and CEO of Linear, shares invaluable insights from his experience at Airbnb and Coinbase. He argues against the common notion that founders should 'always be raising,' emphasizing quality growth over hyper-growth. Karri discusses how to strategically leverage VCs by giving them productive 'homework.' He reflects on his best and worst fundraising meetings and shares lessons on minimizing dilution. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable practices and user experience, offering a fresh perspective on scaling startups.

Karri Saarinen, CEO and Co-founder of Linear, leads a project management suite loved by top AI companies and Y Combinator graduates. He discusses how his team prioritizes quality over hyper-growth, taking a deliberate approach to scaling and culture. Karri emphasizes the need for innovative hiring practices and balancing speed with thoughtful product development. He also shares insights on raising capital when profitable and the importance of building a high-functioning team instead of merely increasing headcount.

Karri Saarinen, the CEO at Linear and former product designer at Airbnb and Coinbase, shares insights into building a beloved project management tool that’s giving Jira a run for its money. He discusses the importance of a design-centric approach, emphasizing user experience to foster emotional connections. Karri reveals how to navigate onboarding challenges and the significance of understanding key success metrics. He also critiques the rush to incorporate AI features, advocating for a focus on genuine user needs and a collaborative onboarding process.

In a deep dive with Karri Saarinen, cofounder of Linear, they discuss their unconventional approach to building a company with emphasis on quality over rapid scaling. Karri shares insights on maintaining a net-negative lifetime burn rate while raising funds and navigating ‘Founder Mode’ challenges. They also explore innovative hiring practices from Airbnb and Coinbase, and even dive into the delicious world of Finnish potatoes versus American varieties. This conversation is a refreshing take on entrepreneurship that prioritizes craftsmanship and sustainable growth.