TL;DR
A Japan-based developer sold his startup after eight years and plans a new phase focused on using technology to reduce time online and increase real-world enjoyment. He intends to concentrate on fewer projects, invest thoughtfully, read more, and spend quality time with family and friends.
What happened
A developer and entrepreneur living in Japan says he recently sold his startup after eight years. The exit did not amount to a major success by his account, but it generated enough capital to support a next venture. Reflecting on the journey, he says he often worked very hard in the wrong direction, spreading effort across too many initiatives and failing to give any single idea the focus needed for a breakthrough. He also notes weaknesses in managing people and prefers hands-on work he finds personally engaging. Going forward he wants to “get unplugged” from the digital world by using technology to increase output while reducing effort and screen time. He plans to keep building products, narrow his focus to a few meaningful projects, blog infrequently on topics he’s deeply considered, and devote time to investing, reading, and relationships.
Why it matters
- Illustrates a founder’s shift from relentless scaling to prioritizing life balance and meaningful work.
- Frames technology as a tool to reduce digital dependence rather than extend it.
- Highlights the practical value of focus—fewer projects with deeper commitment may produce better outcomes.
- Suggests alternative post-exit plans beyond immediate upsizing or rapid expansion.
Key facts
- The author is a developer and entrepreneur based in Japan.
- He sold his startup after eight years of effort.
- He describes the sale as not a huge success but sufficient to fund his next venture.
- He learned he had been working hard in the wrong direction and attempted too many things at once.
- He says he is not strong at managing people and prefers hands-on work he enjoys.
- His stated goal is to “get unplugged” from the digital world by leveraging technology.
- He intends to focus on a small number of projects rather than many simultaneous ideas.
- He plans to blog infrequently and only on topics he has thought deeply about.
- He enjoys investing in stocks and sees value in thoughtful, low-effort decisions that can yield returns.
- He values reading and spending quality time with family and friends.
What to watch next
- Infrequent, in-depth blog posts the author says he will publish on topics he’s thought deeply about (confirmed in the source).
- New product launches tied to his goal of reducing online time and maximizing output with less effort (not confirmed in the source).
- How narrowly he concentrates on a few projects and whether that yields different outcomes than his prior approach (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Unplugged: Reducing reliance on digital devices and online activity to spend more time in offline, real-world pursuits.
- Startup exit: A founder’s sale or transfer of ownership in a startup, often via acquisition or other liquidity event.
- Focus: Concentrating effort and resources on a limited number of priorities to increase the chance of meaningful progress.
- Compounding (in reading or investing): The gradual accumulation of benefits over time from repeated small gains, such as knowledge or investment returns.
Reader FAQ
Did he sell his startup?
Yes. He sold his startup after eight years; the sale wasn’t a major success but provided funds for his next venture (confirmed in the source).
Is he leaving technology entirely?
Not confirmed in the source.
How does he plan to become unplugged?
He aims to use technology to increase output with less effort so he can spend more time offline and enjoy life beyond screens (confirmed in the source).
Will he keep blogging?
Yes. He says he will blog infrequently and only on topics he has considered deeply (confirmed in the source).
Is he stepping away from people management?
He describes himself as bad at managing people, and prefers working on things he personally enjoys (confirmed in the source).
I’m a developer and entrepreneur based in Japan. I recently sold my startup after 8 years of struggle. It wasn’t a huge success, but was rewarding enough to fund my…
Sources
- I build products to get "unplugged" from the internet
- The Digital Detox Trend “Ping Minimalism” Is Redefining …
- Can't stop doomscrolling? The 'Brick' helped me unplug.
- Founder of $100 million company never unplugs from work …
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