The Journal
Field notes on building software properly.
Straight-talking essays for founders and operators — from MVP architecture to shipping AI, without the buzzwords.
What Four Weeks of 'Building Fast' Actually Looks Like
How to build an MVP in four weeks, phase by phase: discover, shape, build, ship. A realistic MVP timeline and software development process for founders who need to move fast.
AI Features Are Easy to Demo and Hard to Ship. Here's the Difference
How to build AI products that actually ship — the gap between a great LLM demo and a reliable production AI feature, and the shortlist that closes it.
The Technical Due Diligence Questions That Catch Founders Out
The technical due diligence questions investors actually ask — and how to prepare for technical due diligence before a raise. A founder-friendly tech due diligence checklist.
Fractional CTO, Agency, or Hire: What Actually Fits Your Stage
Fractional CTO, agency, or first technical hire? A stage-by-stage guide for founders on when to hire a fractional CTO, when an agency fits, and when to hire in-house.
Why Your MVP Doesn't Need a Database With 40 Tables
How to build an MVP without over-engineering it. A right-sized MVP architecture guide for founders — data models, auth, and the technical debt to avoid on your minimum viable product.