Happy Sunday!

5 newsletters summarized.

1. “Pay-per-task” is the new business model of the internet by Greg’s Letter - (Greg Isenberg)

2. How Notion grows by Product Growth - (Aakash Gupta)

3. Why and how we do work trials at Linear by Linear

4. Do technical founders need a business co-founder? by Y Combinator

5. How to tell if work is beautiful by The Looking Glass - (Julie Zhuo)

“Pay-per-task” is the new business model of the internet”

A summary of “Pay-per-task is the new business model of the internet” by Greg’s Letter - Greg Isenberg

Shifting Paradigms: Greg Isenberg brings attention to a significant shift in internet business models: the rise of "pay-per-task." Moving away from traditional models like freemium and subscription-based SaaS, this new model is reshaping how businesses operate online. Greg recalls the transformational impact of freemium models, drawing parallels to the current shift, which could herald the emergence of billion-dollar businesses.

The AI-Driven Business Model: AI's advancement is central to this shift, offering digital assistance for basic tasks, much like an intern. This has given birth to the "pay-per-task" model, a more task-oriented approach in contrast to the monthly subscriptions that dominated SaaS. Companies like Zapier and Intercom are already experimenting with this model, finding it aligns customer and company incentives more effectively. Greg concludes that the future of software, with a market worth over $592B, lies in innovative models that challenge traditional norms and favor usage-based pricing and community contributions.

How Notion grows

A summary of “How Notion grows” by Product Growth - Aakash Gupta

Building the Foundation: Notion, now a beacon in productivity software, began with a pivot by founders Ivan Zhao and Simon Last. Transitioning from a failed no-code startup, they embraced a vision for a “post-file, post-MS Office world,” focusing on diverse workplace software needs.

Securing Success: Notion found its groove in docs, wikis, and tasks, appealing especially to non-technical users. The release of Notion 2.0 was a game-changer, offering an all-encompassing workspace with innovative features. This strategic evolution, combined with targeted launches, led to a surge in users and attracted significant VC interest.

Why and how we do work trials at Linear

A summary of “Why and how we do work trials at linear” by Linear

Innovative Hiring Practices: Linear employs paid work trials as a cornerstone of its hiring process. Recognizing the need for team members capable of making sound judgments, Linear challenges candidates with real projects that reflect essential skills for their startup environment. This approach stems from the belief that building a quality product and business relies heavily on trusting team members to make informed decisions and shape the product's direction.

Work Trials: A Two-Way Street: The work trial, lasting 2-5 days, offers a hands-on experience for both Linear and the candidate. For Linear, it’s an opportunity to observe candidates' problem-solving skills and their ability to adapt to a dynamic startup environment. For candidates, it’s a rare chance to assess the company's culture and work style firsthand. This method has proven effective, contributing to Linear’s high retention rate and consistent team growth.

Do technical founders need a business co-founder?

A summary of “Do technical founders need a business co-founder” by Y Combinator

Beyond Traditional Roles: Y Combinator addresses the common notion that technical founders need business co-founders. It suggests that success in business tasks like sales, customer support, and fundraising hinges not just on capability but on the founder's willingness and enthusiasm. Y Combinator shifts the focus from a founder's skill set to their attitude towards embracing diverse business roles.

Attitude Trumps Expertise: Y Combinator presents examples of successful companies started solely by technical founders, challenging the idea that a business co-founder is necessary. This perspective underscores that technical founders can be effective in business roles, especially in areas aligned with their technical expertise. Y Combinator emphasizes that the founder's mindset and willingness to adapt are more pivotal than having a specific technical or business background.

How to tell if work is beautiful

A summary of “How to tell if work is beautiful” by Julie Zhuo

Redefining Beauty: Julie's reflections on beauty evolve from mere aesthetics to encompassing deeper aspects of work and life. Initially seeing beauty in people and nature, her journey in design broadens this perception to interfaces, objects, and beyond. She emphasizes that beauty is not just about visual appeal but also includes the essence of human spirit and ingenuity.

The Nature of Beautiful Work and Design: Julie delves into what makes work beautiful: it's about reaching the limits of one’s abilities with intention and awe-inspiring craftsmanship. In design, beauty transcends symmetry and elegance; it's found in contrasts, connections, and even in rarity. She argues that beauty in products isn't just about slick visuals; it's about the energy expended in overcoming disorder, the passion transformed into purpose. Reflecting on her time at Microsoft OneNote, Julie shares a crucial lesson: good design feels obvious yet requires effort, addressing real problems in a simple, accessible, and thoughtful manner.

That’s it! Check back Thursday morning for the next edition.

Until next time

- Team ship tips