My Thoughts on the Datomic License
I have a greenfield project where the choice of database is open. I have been very interested in Datomic for a couple of years now and figured that I'd try Datomic out for the project. Then I tried to actually download and install it and decided against it... mostly because the value of Datomic does not clearly…
The Rise of the $8 Ice Cube
At $8 a piece (or $325 for 50), luxury ice cubes probably cost more than whatever you're drinking.
Apple Watch: Initial Thoughts and Observations
I think Apple Watch prices are going to be shockingly high — gasp-inducingly, get-me-to-the-fainting-couch high — from the perspective of the tech industry. But at the same time, there is room for them to be disruptively *low* from the perspective of the traditional watch and jewelry world.
Why talent agents for engineers don’t exist
People often ask me if I’m a talent agent for engineers, in the same way that actors have talent agents in Hollywood. In a lot of ways, the way I work is closer to a talent agent than a traditional recruiter — rather than sourcing for specific positions, I try to find smart people first, […]
Intercom raises a Series B round of $23M
Articles and Podcasts on Customer Service, AI and Automation, Product, and more.
Top Inventions at Browserling
Today is 4 years since I and my co-founder James Halliday have been working at Browserling Inc. I thought I'd share what I think are the top 10 inventions at our company. The first two choices are obvious. They're our products Browserling and Testling. The next eight choices are useful and popular open source…
What "viable search engine competition" really looks like
Alex Clemmer is a computer programmer. Other programmers love Alex, excitedly describing him as "employed here" and "the boss's son".
How we validated our SaaS product without building it
Build, collaborate on, and localize on-brand email templates without code. Trusted by Canva, Culture Amp, and 300+ global teams. See how it works.
After reviewing about 30 YC applications, here's some general advice
Demo day just wrapped up for Beacon. We feel pretty good about what we've done since starting YC in January. But it's been a long and winding road to get here. One of my cofounders (@dmitric) and...
It’s Not Too Late for Uber to Avoid Stupid Patent of the Month
“Good Spirit,” he pursued, as down upon the ground he fell before it: “Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life!” – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol As our devoted readers are aware, each month we highlight a...
Wikimedia Foundation now accepts Bitcoin
We’re fortunate that millions of people all over the world support the work of the Wikimedia Foundation through donations. It has always been important to the Foundation to make sure donating is as…
How the Father of Claymation Lost His Company
Will Vinton brought clay to life with characters like the California Raisins and the Noid -- until Nike billionaire Phil Knight stepped in and bought the business for his son.
Becoming A Software Consultant: My Backstory
1337 h4x0r
It's Time to Kill Surface
“The question that needs to be asked and answered is why hardware.” To Satya Nadella’s credit, he provided not just the answer, but the question as well. And, looked at narrowly, …
Mattermark Has Raised $2M in Our Second Seed Round
After taking $3.4M in total funding over the past 2 years, it’s time to take a break from fundraising
We Need Viable Search Engine Competition
Why Google's monopoly on search is a growing problem, from conflicts of interest to SEO manipulation, and why we desperately need a real competitor.