Chronic illness reshapes one founder's slow, sustainable solo software path
After 30 years in technology, a developer went independent to slowly build a solo software venture called Code and Sea, deliberately avoiding venture funding or 80-hour weeks spent rushing an MVP. In 2015 severe physical symptoms began, leading to a 2016 diagnosis of , a chronic illness causing pain and muscle spasms that strictly limits daily energy and rules out all-nighters or sprints.
Work happens only during quiet hours, supported by pacing tools, daily meditation, and time with a demanding working cocker spaniel to stay grounded. A second guiding principle is rejecting in favor of software ownership — building tools that run locally rather than depend on ongoing rental-style .
Key points
- Went independent after 30 years in tech, building solo venture Code and Sea without venture funding
- Diagnosed with in 2016, which strictly limits daily energy
- Manages condition with pacing tools and daily meditation, working only in 'quiet hours'
- Prioritizes local, ownable software over -based 'rent-ship' models