The Billion-Dollar AI Startup That Proves You Don't Need 996 Culture to Succeed

1 day ago7 min read6 comments

While much of the artificial intelligence sector operates under intense pressure—embracing China's notorious '996' schedule (9 a. m.to 9 p. m., six days a week) or 'hardcore' work ethics—one standout company is proving success doesn't require burnout. Linear, a billion-dollar enterprise software firm, has reached unicorn status and profitability by championing a sustainable, humane approach to growth.This philosophy stands in stark contrast to industry trends, where startups like the $10 billion AI company Cognition boast of an 'extreme performance culture' with employees who 'literally live where we work. ' Linear's cofounder, Karri Saarinen, a former Airbnb and Coinbase veteran, is deliberately building a different kind of company.With clients including OpenAI and Perplexity, Linear has scaled to a lean team of 80 people by doubling its headcount annually and raising $82 million this year, all while rejecting the frantic hustle that defines its competitors. This divergence comes as Big Tech intensifies pressure; Amazon's Andy Jassy pushes for startup-like speed, and Meta executives demand employees 'go 5x faster' using AI tools.Saarinen dismisses this scramble as a reactive mirage, noting the AI race 'is not going to end after this year. It will probably go for the next decade.' Instead, Linear's methodical strategy includes a paid 'work trial' for final candidates—a multi-day integration on real projects that assesses cultural fit and communication, intentionally creating friction to ensure alignment with company values. The result is minimal attrition and a firm belief that quality work is intrinsically linked to employee well-being.'People should have some life outside of work,' Saarinen asserts, arguing that a full life fuels inspiration and superior output. In an industry obsessed with raw velocity, Linear offers a compelling counter-narrative: building a lasting, impactful AI company is entirely possible without sacrificing a deliberate and humane culture.

#work culture

#996

#remote work

#hiring process

#startup growth

#featured

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.