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KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
We built Linear with a local-first architecture, allowing for a faster user experience by syncing data directly to the client, avoiding the delays of traditional web apps.
Video
F
Inside Linear: Why craft and focus still win in product building | Karri Saarinen (Co-founder & CEO)
@ FirstRoundCapital
06/05/25
Related Takeaways
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
We initially built Linear for ourselves, focusing on creating a tool that we would want to use daily, which helped us define our product's features.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
At Linear, we focus on building tools specifically for product software companies, especially early-stage startups, to ensure we meet their unique needs.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
We focused on user research to understand the frustrations people had with existing tools, which helped us refine our vision for Linear.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
Our early version of Linear was well-crafted enough to share with friends, and we were eager to get feedback to ensure it resonated with potential users.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
Before founding Linear, I was a founding designer at Coinbase and a principal designer at Airbnb, where I learned the importance of building tools that are fast and efficient.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
When we started Linear, we aimed to connect the highest level of company goals to day-to-day work, making it more meaningful for everyone involved.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
The decision to commit to building Linear came after months of research and discussions with my co-founders, culminating in a commitment to start full-time in March 2019.
KS
Karri Saarinen
06/05/25
@ FirstRoundCapital
The experience of working at Coinbase and Airbnb taught me how different companies operate and the common challenges they face, which informs how we build Linear.
PT
Peter Thompson
03/28/25
@ EO
Our technology allows data to be stored where it is, while presenting it as if it is local, solving performance and collaboration issues without moving data around.