Karri Saarinen

Karri Saarinen, co-founder and CEO of Linear, shares insights from his impressive background, including design leadership at Airbnb and Coinbase. He discusses the importance of prioritizing craft in product development and how Linear’s unique hiring strategies set them apart. Karri reveals how the company operates with just one PM and emphasizes that good design is essential in today’s market. He offers strategies for maintaining focus amidst distractions while providing a sneak peek of an upcoming feature that enhances team communication.

Karri Saarinen, Co-founder and CEO of Linear, shares fascinating insights from his tech journey. He discusses his early passion for computers, and crucial lessons from his first startup failure. Karri emphasizes the value of small, focused teams and the importance of validating product ideas through genuine user feedback. He also explores the role of Finnish culture in prioritizing quality over rapid growth, and the need for a clear design vision tailored to user needs. This conversation shines a light on the essence of creating impactful software.

Sai Senthilkumar, a Partner at Redpoint Ventures, shares insights on AI advancements reshaping developer tools and highlights key players transforming the market. Karri Saarinen discusses Linear's recent $82 million Series C funding and the company's impressive growth focused on software development efficiency. Roy Bahat reveals Bloomberg Beta's new $75 million fund. Scott Belsky dives into Apple's iOS 26, exploring user feedback and the tech giant's shifting focus. The group also discusses Meta's $15 billion investment in Scale AI, reflecting on competitive dynamics in the tech landscape.

Semil Shah, founder of Haystack, shares insights on Silicon Valley investing, including backing giants like DoorDash. Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge, discusses e-commerce transformation and the thrill of entrepreneurship. Karri Saarinen of Linear dives deep into enhancing product workflows and leveraging AI for efficiency. Dan Lorenc from Chainguard sheds light on the critical role of software supply chain security, emphasizing modern digital risks. Together, they explore Google's strong financial performance, the dynamics behind Netflix's NFL partnership, and the shifting landscapes of tech layoffs.

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.