Hey everyone, it's been a while since I last shared a longer update like this. The last few months have been a real shift for me, and I wanted to sit down and write about it honestly. If you're a founder, builder, or anyone grinding hard in tech, I hope this resonates.
I wrapped up my indie hacking chapter with Influsfera earlier this year. It was an intense ride, full of late nights, pivots, and that classic startup energy. But honestly, I was running on empty. The constant push and the pressure to make everything work all caught up to me. I knew I needed space to breathe.
So I stepped back from being a full-time founder. I did not quit working though. Instead, I joined two incredible startups where I could contribute, learn, and grow without carrying the entire weight on my shoulders.
Where I am now
I'm now serving as CPO at Twintual, where we're building an AI communication assistant that unifies all your messages across apps and actually learns your style. It is such rewarding work. We are helping people reclaim their time and attention in this always-on world.
At the same time, I'm Product Operations Engineer at KiriApp. Marta Echarri founded it, and she brings such impressive depth from her fintech career: Wealth Management Analyst at UBS, Executive Director at JP Morgan, Senior Vice President at Lombard Odier Group, General Manager for Spain and Portugal at N26, and CEO of Western Union International Bank across Europe. She has also been a Horizon Europe Innovation Expert at the European Commission and Co-Head of KPMG Startup Connect in Spain. Her vision for KiriApp, creating meaningful investment accounts for kids and families, feels so purposeful. Working with her and the team has been eye-opening.
These roles let me stay in the game, ship real product work, and absorb so much new knowledge every day. But the biggest difference is the balance. I finally have room to think, rest, and show up as a better version of myself.
On burnout and why you should take it seriously
Looking back, the burnout was real. I saw it everywhere when I was in San Francisco too. People pushing themselves to the limit, treating startups like wars where the only option is to die on the battlefield. The hustle culture glorifies it, but it is not sustainable.
Your health, your relationships, your peace of mind matter way more than any valuation or launch deadline. If you are feeling that constant exhaustion, that voice telling you to just keep going no matter what, please hear this: it is okay to take a break. It is necessary. Stepping back does not mean you are failing. It means you are smart enough to protect what actually fuels long-term success, which is you.
The joy of building is back
That time off, even while still working, brought something beautiful back. I am reconnecting with the joy I felt in college during my first indie hacking days. I am jumping into hackathons again, building quick things, experimenting, and remembering why I love this. There is something pure about creating tools or features that people genuinely want and need. No massive pressure, just the fun of problem solving and seeing ideas come to life. That spark had faded for a while, and now it is back stronger than ever.
Faith, freedom, and what comes next
I have no idea what the next chapter holds. Life feels open in a way it has not for a long time. I trust that God is working things out behind the scenes, preparing paths and opportunities that will bring real happiness. I have learned I would rather be free, building and working on things I love, surrounded by good people and purpose, than trapped in environments that feel like hell just because society says that is what dedication looks like.
If you are reading this and you are burned out, exhausted, or questioning the nonstop grind: give yourself permission to pause. Protect your energy. Seek roles or projects that let you contribute without consuming you. Reconnect with the joy of building.
I'm excited for whatever comes next. For now, I'm grateful to be here: learning, creating, and feeling alive again.