Gordon Brander

Gordon Brander is a software engineer and entrepreneur based in Seattle, Washington. He is currently the Co-Founder of Common Tools, a company focused on developing tools for thought and open-ended ecosystems.15

Background and Experience

Gordon has an extensive background in software development, design strategy, and engineering. Some key highlights of his career include:

• Working on 5 different web browsers and an operating system5
• Leading creative teams and developing mobile phone operating systems2
• Building apps, working on experimental web engines, and prototyping IoT platforms2
• Collaborating with major companies like Mozilla Research, Sony Mobile, National Geographic, Reuters, and Huawei2

Previous Roles

Before co-founding Common Tools, Gordon held several notable positions:

• Software Lead for the Open Agriculture Initiative at MIT Media Lab2
• Founder of Subconscious, a startup focused on building a decentralized knowledge graph protocol and a new kind of tool for thought3

Current Focus

At Common Tools, Gordon is working on creating open-ended ecosystems through software. His goal is to understand and develop tools that can generate innovation and surprise themselves.5 He has a particular interest in generative UI systems and has co-authored a "Generative UI Playbook" with Ben Follington.4

Philosophy and Approach

Gordon's approach to technology and startups is characterized by:

• Starting with product and working backwards to technology3
• Focusing on pulling ideas from the future into the present3
• Balancing innovation in technology and product categories3
• Emphasizing the importance of universal interfaces and open-ended systems in software design4

Gordon Brander is known for his insights into startup strategy, generative systems, and tools for thought. He shares his ideas through his personal website and newsletter, "Squishy Computer".35