Author of SPRINT and MAKE TIME.
Jake Knapp is a product designer, author, and investor best known for developing the Design Sprint methodology. He began his career at Google, where he spent a decade helping to build key products like Gmail and co-founding Google Meet.
During his time at Google, Jake created the Design Sprint, a five-day process that allows teams to rapidly prototype and test new ideas. The success of the method led to his role as a partner at Google Ventures, where he used Design Sprints to help startups like Slack, Nest, and Blue Bottle Coffee achieve product-market fit.
Jake's experience at Google Ventures helped him refine the Design Sprint, which he later documented in his best-selling book, "Sprint." The method became widely adopted by companies like Airbnb, LEGO, and Microsoft. After leaving Google Ventures, Jake co-founded Character, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups. At Character, Jake continues to use Design Sprints to help startups quickly iterate and find their market fit.
In addition to his work at Character, Jake has also contributed to the design community through his writing and public speaking. His second book, "Make Time," co-authored with John Zeratsky, offers practical advice on focusing on what matters most in daily life, building on his experience with the structured, time-boxed nature of the Design Sprint.
Jake's work emphasizes the importance of efficiency, focus, and collaboration in product development. By helping teams quickly test and validate ideas, he has had a significant impact on how products are developed in the tech industry.
His influence extends beyond just the products he has worked on; it includes the processes and methodologies that many teams now use to bring their ideas to life more effectively.
Today, Jake continues to innovate in the fields of product design and venture capital, helping startups navigate the challenging path to success. His work remains a cornerstone of modern product development practices.