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 and former designer at Coinbase and Airbnb, shares insights on creating standout products. He emphasizes the importance of quality design and craft from day one, drawing from his experience in high-growth companies. Karri discusses how design builds trust, the discipline of brand consistency, and the superpower of designer founders to visualize the entire product. He also explores how AI is transforming workflows and stresses the need for hiring talent that aligns with product vision.

Karri Saarinen, co-founder and CEO of Linear, shares his insights on building impactful brands. He discusses the balance between authenticity and polished aesthetics in early-stage startups, emphasizing effective messaging and user engagement. The conversation includes playful critiques of unique products like 'unreal milk' and branding strategies for companies targeting non-tech-savvy audiences. Karri highlights the importance of clear communication to improve engagement and conversion rates while maintaining brand personality through thoughtful web design.

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.

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.

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.

Karri Saarinen, CEO of Linear and former design lead at Airbnb and Coinbase, shares insights on revolutionizing project management tools. He discusses his design-centric approach that prioritizes user experience over traditional methods. Karri emphasizes the importance of balancing data with intuition in product decisions and reveals why he's cautious about integrating AI features now. He also highlights Linear's rapid growth, focusing on building a community that resonates with users, proving that a different background can yield innovative solutions.