Where to even begin?
So, I’ve been away a long time. A few people have noticed.
Most probably haven’t. That’s ok.
There were times a while back where I was blogging often. Others where I blogged only once a month.
Maybe it evens out. Because of some posts, the new visitors and subscribers keep coming in. Sometimes at a rate of thousands a day– not bad.
But that’s no reason to be lazy. I promise– I haven’t been.
In October, Chris and I published a second book together. It got 100 reviews on the first day– almost unprecedented. And my previous book Flinch has been in top Kindle books downloaded for over 18 months.
But since mid 2012, I’ve also been working on a company.
The name of that company is Breather.
I am co-founder and CEO.
Wow– I can’t believe I’m finally talking about this. Crazy.
The incredible founding team
The team we are starting with is truly amazing.
Our CTO, Alex Payne, is the one who most recently joined. He is a behemoth.
Alex built the API for one of the world’s biggest web services, Twitter. He was one of the first people there, in 2007, and helped Twitter become what it is today.
After that, he helped start a bank, Simple, that is now helping to change the way banking is done. Simple went on to raise $13M in funding and has had over 100,000 people on its waiting list, ready to use the service.
Alex said to me recently, “I knew I wanted to do this 10 minutes after you first told me about it.”
Caterina Rizzi has been around almost since the beginning. Without her it would probably still be a stupid idea in a single crazy person’s brain.
Cat is a powerhouse of a different sort. As you get to know her, you’ll see what I mean. She truly helps make a vision into a reality.
Together, the three of us are going to turn this crazy idea into an amazing, real thing.
Hey, that’s great, Julien— but what the @#$%is it???
Well, at some point soon, we’ll talk about that. It shouldn’t be much longer. :)
With the starting team complete, though, we did feel it was time to announce something, so that is what you’re looking at. Feels good.
If you really feel you can’t wait, SXSW is about to start, and some people do know. Feel free to ask around– I’m sure you’ll learn a thing or two. :)
In the meantime, stay tuned. And if you’re looking for a new challenge, get in touch. Maybe this is it.
28 Responses to “A New Chapter”
Exciting!
I wondered where you had gone off to. Good to see you’re alive and well.
Congratulations, Julien. You’ve got an incredible team. And from the little peeps I’ve heard about Breather here & there, it sounds like you’re doing some good for the world… a world that’s moving too fast to pause and see and think.
Can’t wait for the official unveilings. And let me know how I can ever help!
Honesty, I discovered you last night in a state of total despair, typed into google “i jusk dont give a F+++” and your website came up with an inspiring guide (The Complete Guide to Not Giving a Fuck) to better my views, with actual tips and steps to take, not an over simplified phrase of “Just stop caring” like most people try to tell me. I cant say you have changed my life drastically yet, but you certainly changed my mood last night and I woke up more at ease than the last few days. And I want to thank you for that. Its good to see you active here (today), its a sign for me.
God Bless, Stacey.
Awesome! Can’t wait to see what you’re up to. I’ve enjoyed the books, and was wishing you would blog more. :)
Sounds intriguing. Best of luck.
Always fascinating to find out what you’re up to, Julien – and can’t wait to hear more.
Best success and happiness with this newest venture!
I’m intrigued :-)
I figured you had SOMETHING up your sleeve, man.. This is great! Huge things happening! Looking forward to hearing more.
Happy to see you’re back, Julien. And, with such excellent news. Sam for me recently. Said “ciao” to one chapter, opening another.
Super awesomeness. Sent you a DM. xo J
You continue to inspire, amaze and intrigue. Can’t wait to here more details. Blessed to have met you in person. Keep pushing us!
Oh !! I really missed you.
Good luck with your company.
…oh I noticed.
I read Flinch recently. It is very inspiring. Keep going!
Julien – thanks for the continual kick in the pants and inspiration. I launched the blog and appreciate the advice you gave me. Looking forward to hearing more about your next endeavor. Many happy returns!
Good luck, Julian! Can’t wait (literally) to hear what you are up to now. If I can help in any way, please let me know. And I really do mean that.
I have been wondering where you went.
I am super pumped about this and I do not even know what it is.
Anything that you do I am immediately interested in and want to know more about.
Cant wait to hear more
Yay and Yay!!! I don’t even know what it is but I know it is going to be killer!!! Congratulations Julien, and to all of you!!
Hi, just a newly, but I noticed too!
Welcome back J – you have been missed. I must admit I thought that were another of those interesting, intellectually challenging folk that the outside world must have caught up with…
I would love to know more about Breather, and would love to be involved – even sight unseen..
Be well – looking forward to learning more.
Hey.. I’m looking out for a change.. a challenge that would entice me. Can I get involved?
Bragging about yourself and your success?
Well, that’s just swell, and it helps all of us immeasurably.
Excellent.
I like your blog, by the way.:)
We shall be waiting with “a worm on our tongue” (baited breath).
I’m really looking forward to learning more.
Sounds sweet! Can’t wait to hear more about breather. If you need a college recruit, I’m your man! :D
Just signed up for the news list. So interesting – when it comes from you, it can’t be boring.
Congrats, Julien! I’m excited to hear more about what’s next!
So proud of you man!