LifeStarr is a platform built to help solopreneurs create life-first businesses. It started in 2020 when co-founder Joe Rando sold his previous startup and decided to build a tool he couldn't find anywhere else. He wanted a task management system that would let him work with anyone, including people who didn't work for him. At the time, most tools treated outside collaborators as second-class guests.
Inspired by David Allen's Getting Things Done and the way Facebook friend requests work, Joe imagined a system where you could send someone a task request, and they could accept or decline it. That idea became the first version of the app, originally called Workstar.
Every product needs a target market, and co-host Carly Ries suggested solopreneurs. Joe quickly realized he had been one himself, running a one person business from 1990 to 2004 with the goal of having more control over his life. Research showed there were tens of millions of solopreneurs in the United States alone, yet there was almost nowhere online built specifically for them. The team found only one small community in Australia.
So they decided to build that place themselves.
The first version of the app launched in April 2020, during the early days of COVID. The team wanted to help people who were suddenly working from home or becoming contractors. But the app was rushed, and the solopreneur focus hadn't been fully validated by talking to real people. It didn't gain much traction.
The lesson for solopreneurs is clear. Launching quickly has value, but launching before your product is ready and before you've truly listened to your audience can cost you momentum.
Instead of giving up, the team set the app aside and focused on building a community. They developed the Solopreneur Success Cycle, a framework for building a solopreneur business, and began coaching solopreneurs directly. That experience led to a book deal with Wiley, and Joe and Carly co-wrote Solopreneur Business For Dummies.
Once the community and education were in place, they returned to the app with a much clearer understanding of what solopreneurs actually needed.
A commitment management system tracks both what you've promised to do and what others have promised to do for you. LifeStarr's app goes beyond traditional task management in a few ways.
For solopreneurs without managers or teams to keep everyone on track, this kind of system prevents important tasks from falling through the cracks.
LifeStarr originally described its mission as helping solopreneurs build "a business that serves your life." When the team changed the wording to "life-first business," the response was dramatic. Podcast guest requests and community interest jumped noticeably.
Both phrases describe the same idea, but "life-first" is immediate and unmistakable. It signals that this is the opposite of hustle culture. For solopreneurs, the takeaway is powerful. Sometimes the right words matter as much as the right offer, and testing how you describe your business can change who it attracts.
After years of research and working directly with solopreneurs, the LifeStarr team identified five core needs.
As Carly puts it, flying solo in business doesn't mean you're alone.
LifeStarr Academy launches on October 13th and makes LifeStarr's previously paid content free. That includes all Solopreneur Success Sessions and regular courses. A free version of the app is also available. The paid tier includes an AI coach built specifically for solopreneurs, workshops, and additional features.
Who founded LifeStarr?
LifeStarr was founded by Joe Rando in 2020. Carly Ries leads marketing and co-hosts The Life-First Solopreneur podcast with him.
Is LifeStarr free?
Yes, much of it is. Starting October 13th, LifeStarr Academy courses and Solopreneur Success Sessions are free, along with a free version of the app and access to the community.
What makes the LifeStarr app different from other task management apps?
It manages commitments, not just tasks. You can assign work to anyone by email, track what others owe you, send automatic reminders, and keep work and personal life organized in separate roles.
What is a life-first business?
A life-first business is one designed around the life you want to live, rather than a life squeezed around your business.
How do I join LifeStarr?
Sign up through LifeStarr Intro to get access to the community now and the full launch on October 13th.