In a recent episode of The Closing Code Podcast, Hello World founder and CEO Dan Linn shared how he built a development company focused on relationships, stability, and curiosity in a fast-moving industry.
What started as a single freelance project has grown into a thriving web development agency that helps organizations build dependable systems, meaningful digital experiences, and long-term partnerships.
From Freelance to Hello World
Dan didn’t set out to start a company. He just wanted to do great work for a client who trusted him. That first project ran so smoothly that he realized he could build a business around that same sense of collaboration.
“I didn’t start Hello World until I already had that first client. The key is making people remember you as easy to work with.”
Over time, word-of-mouth referrals brought more opportunities, and Hello World evolved from coffee shop coding sessions into a team of developers, designers, and strategists who thrive on solving complex problems together.
What Sets Hello World Apart
When asked how Hello World stands out in a crowded development space, Dan pointed to one thing: partnership.
“We’re not just here to take your request and start coding. We want to understand what you really need and work with you to find the best way forward.”
Hello World often embeds directly within client teams, serving as product owners or temporary developers. The result is a blend of technical depth and genuine collaboration that builds trust and makes projects feel lighter to manage.
Stability and Smarter Systems
This year’s focus at Hello World is stability. Dan describes it as giving clients confidence that every project runs smoothly from kickoff through deployment.
That means tightening testing systems, speeding up feedback loops, and improving visibility for both developers and clients. It’s about removing friction so teams can move faster and feel supported every step of the way.
AI has become a helpful part of that process. The team uses it to handle smaller, time-consuming tasks like formatting queries or reviewing code.
“I treat AI like a junior developer. It’s great for small tasks and brainstorming, but it can’t replace human collaboration.”
The Rise of “Vibe Coding” and Other AI Trends
Dan also talked about the recent rise of vibe coding, people using AI tools to generate full applications without much technical experience.
It opens up creativity, but it’s not a replacement for professional development.
“Just because a tool is available doesn’t mean people will use it successfully. We’ve already had clients bring us their vibe-coded projects to make them real.”
Looking ahead, Dan expects to see more AI-driven testing and deployment tools, new ways of managing complex codebases, and better collaboration between humans and machines.
Preparing for What’s Next
As Hello World celebrates ten years, Dan is focused on building the strongest possible team and preparing for the next wave of innovation in 2026.
“There’s a lot of great talent out there right now. We’re coiling this year, building the best possible team for what’s next.”
At its core, Hello World’s growth continues to come from the same philosophy that started it all: do great work, communicate openly, and make it easy for people to work with you.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎧 The Closing Code Podcast – Featuring Dan Linn
👤 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn