Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, a Chicago-based software company known for creating Basecamp and HEY. He is a prominent advocate for remote work, minimalist product design, and sustainable business practices, having co-authored several influential business books including Rework and Remote.

Details

Nationality: American
Residence: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Known For: Co-founding 37signals and developing project management and communication tools like Basecamp and HEY; advocating for "calm" business philosophies and remote work.
Accolades: Named to the MIT Technology Review TR35 list of top innovators under the age of 35 in 2006. Co-author of multiple New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling books, including Rework and Remote: Office Not Required.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Arizona (1996).
Website: https://world.hey.com/jason

Jason Fried

Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, a software company recognized for its influential project management and communication tools. He founded the firm in 1999 as a web design consultancy before pivoting to product development with the launch of Basecamp in 2004. [2] Fried is a prominent advocate for calm company culture, remote work, and sustainable profitability over venture-backed hypergrowth. [2][3] His leadership has seen the release of major products including the HEY email service and the ONCE software licensing model. In early 2026, he oversaw the launch of Basecamp 5 and a new kanban-style organizational app called Fizzy. [4] Fried has co-authored several bestselling business books such as Rework and It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work. [4][5] He frequently shares his philosophy on minimalist design and independent thinking through the REWORK podcast and his personal writing. His work continues to influence a generation of entrepreneurs by challenging traditional Silicon Valley orthodoxies. [4][5]

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