Thread

1. hypfer · 1790079832 · focus · HN ↗

   Semi-OT, but does anyone here know what exactly happened at JetBrains?

   Their IDEs have been nosediving for years now in a way usually reserved to "has been acquired by private equity". But they have not been acquired by private equity as far as I can tell.

   I'm writing this from my laptop, where each keypress in a .md file in WebStorm makes the fan spin up (not hyperbole).

   What happened, JetBrains?

   1. solarwinds · 1790083077 · focus · HN ↗

      Haven't you noticed how their nosediving started right around another significant event of the past few years?

      Most development was done in Russia (disregard tales sold to the West about them supposedly being a Czech company, they were Czech mostly in the name, real work happened elsewhere). Exited Russia in the beginning of 2022, leaving many talented people behind: not everyone wanted or could leave because of families, obligations, personal beliefs.

      Remembering where most of JB's money was coming from, can't really say they had a choice.

      1. menato · 1790501531 · focus · HN ↗

         That’s true, but I don’t think it’s the whole story.

         In my experience, another major factor is Sergey Dmitriev’s (the sole owner of the company) management style. He keeps a tight grip on major decisions, with a fairly “my way or the highway” approach. That favors managers who are comfortable with the arrangement and can drive away people who want more autonomy or a say in the company’s direction.

         For years, when JetBrains faced relatively little competition, that structure worked well enough. As the market changed, though, it became harder for the company to adapt.

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