Nathan Barry
Founder & CEO of Kit; creator-economy SaaS leader
nathanbarry
Boise, Idaho
Joined July 2025
Network
138.1K connectionsSummary
Bootstrapped creator‑economy founder: Nathan built ConvertKit (now Kit) from a side project into a large, creator-focused SaaS by doubling down on email best practices, direct-sales early growth, and transparent public metrics. He led the company through product expansions and a high-profile rebrand to Kit while keeping the company founder-led. nathanbarry+3
Writer and teacher who productized learning: Nathan uses writing and self-published books (notably Authority and The App Design Handbook) to teach marketing and product lessons, which both funded early work and served as the distribution/marketing engine for his products and audience. nathanbarry+2
Designer and product builder with hands‑on app experience: before ConvertKit he worked as a freelance designer, led UX at Unity Media Group, founded Legend, and shipped iOS apps (e.g., OneVoice, Commit). Those product and UX roots inform Kit's product-first orientation for creators. elevatesociety+2
Works in public and builds community: Nathan frequently publishes detailed posts about company decisions and metrics, runs and speaks at creator-focused events (Craft + Commerce → Kit conference), and emphasizes transparency and teaching as core operating principles. nathanbarry+2
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
There and back again: the story of renaming ConvertKit
August 1, 2020A multi-part, public essay describing the process, reasoning, and lessons from ConvertKit's renaming/rebranding efforts (detailed, candid post by Nathan).
Authority: Become an Expert, Build a Following, and Gain Financial Independence
January 1, 2013A practical, self-publishing and audience-building guide for creators that explains product launches, email marketing, and how to monetize expertise.
The App Design Handbook
January 1, 2012Practical guidance on designing iPhone apps; Nathan's early successful e-book that helped launch his writing-and-product career.
Hobbies
Playing soccer, woodworking, and family time (father of young children). kit+1
Notes
KKKenny Kanesaid
NBNathan Barry → Cannes 🇫🇷
is one of the most impressive CEOs or founders they've encountered in the creator economy SaaS space.Dec 5, 2025
BCBrendan Carneysaid
NBNathan Barry → Cannes 🇫🇷
is one of the most impressive founders of a digital marketing agency they've worked with or observed.Aug 11, 2025