After more than 13 years working as a senior web developer, including three great years at The Type Founders, I’ve decided it’s time to go independent and start building for myself.
Here’s why I made the move.
The Last Three Years
I joined The Type Founders in 2023. It was a great run. I helped build font foundry websites, worked on typography tools, and all the bits that go into making type feel good on the web. I learned a lot, shipped great work for some of the best typographers in the world, and got to dig deep into a niche I actually care about.
Starting Chestnut Software
I’ve now founded Chestnut Software — my independent software company, where I build practical SaaS tools and web applications.
The goal is simple: build practical SaaS tools that solve real problems I’ve faced myself. No unnecessary complexity just clean, useful software.
I want to focus on:
- Problems I’ve actually experienced in ecommerce, design as well as AI
- Privacy-first
- Clean and thoughtful interfaces
Early days, but I’m excited.
What’s Next
This site will be where I document the journey in public — the wins, the mistakes, the random ideas, and the lessons that come with building in the open.
I don’t have a grand master plan or funding. Just a strong desire to build things.
— Ian