About Me
Hi, I’m Will Kramer. I currently live in New York with my amazing husband, Jean-Paul, and a cheerful Brittany Spaniel named Danny.
I like to think that computers and startups are in my DNA. I’ve been coding since I was 11 and started my first company at 16.
- In 2014 I co-founded Avoneu where we created machine learning-based fundraising and marketing software for the non-profit community.
- In 2017 I co-founded Laila, an assistant for your college life. We helped students have more everyday shared experiences with their friends outside of social media.
Why are you blogging?
I believe in the benefits of journaling and the power of transparency. I'm planning to use this space as an easy way to keep track of my thoughts, research, and the projects I'm considering working on. While I’m posting to Open Fail for myself, I hope other founders will benefit from my experiences and reflections.
Read more about why I thought 2021 was the right time to start a blog.
What is the meaning behind open fail?
The name “Open Fail” is a reference to the network security concept of fail-open. A fail-open design does not shutdown when failure conditions are present. Instead, the system remains “open” and operations continue as if the failed component of the system were not even in place. As a startup founder, you need to never let setbacks cause a shutdown.
The name is also a commitment to openness. The reality is that most startup ventures fail and I plan to document my endeavors: the successes and the failures.
What are you currently reading?
What is a quote you live by?
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
- Calvin Coolidge
How can I contact you?
You can reach me on Twitter, @willkramer, or via email at will@openfail.dev.