Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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In a market that hadn’t changed in decades, Linear didn’t win by being faster. They won by being more thoughtful.

Karri Saarinen helped shape design at Airbnb and Coinbase before building Linear around small teams and high standards.

On Grit, he shares how Linear is building for a new era of software development.

Guest: Karri Saarinen, co-founder and CEO of Linear

Connect with Karri Saarinen
X: https://x.com/karrisaarinen
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karrisaarinen

Connect with Josh Coyne:
X: https://x.com/josh_coyne
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuacoyne

Connect with Joubin:
X: https://x.com/Joubinmir
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854
Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com

Follow on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/kpgrit

Follow on X:
https://x.com/KPGrit

​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins: kleinerperkins.com

(00:00) Trailer
(00:44) Introduction
(01:24) Living in San Diego versus San Francisco
(04:28) Airbnb, Coinbase, and starting Linear
(07:15) Reaching profitability after two years
(10:29) Why rapid fundraising can backfire
(15:55) Building relationships with VCs
(22:07) Operator versus investor board members
(25:33) Growth from seed to Series C
(28:51) Why hiring more doesn't mean moving faster
(36:34) How AI is changing product roles
(46:50) Org structure with minimal management
(48:40) The 40-hour workweek at Linear
(55:30) Motion versus momentum
(01:00:22) Competing in a stagnant market
(01:05:25) Working from Finland and vacation habits
(01:12:57) Who Linear is hiring
(01:13:46) What grit means
(01:16:43) Outro