Q&A with Sebastian Neylan from Up

August 25, 2025
By
Lach Bradford

1. What would your MySpace song be in 2025?

Marlon Williams - Me Uaua Kē.

2. Instagram or TikTok? Defend your answer.

Instagram. Because of the volume of parenting Reels I find myself sharing with other dad mates (usually about how tired we are) 🫠

3. What's in your camera roll way too much?

Screenshots of really tiny UI details in other apps that give me some inspo for Up. Duolingo features HEAVILY.

4. A tool, app, or sneaky little shortcut you swear by?

I would say the read later app Pocket but it recently shutdown after I used it for years and years! On the Instapaper train, now but it’s just not the same 😭

5. Most underrated social media skill?

Animation.

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6. If you could ban one trend forever, what would it be?

Toe socks. Don’t tell our CEO I said that 😬

7. Who are 3 brands/creators you’re vibing with right now?

For product: Duolingo, as mentioned above. A masterclass in engagement and healthy habit formation.

For expertise: Lenny Rachitsky. The growth guru behind Lenny’s newsletter. I gave each of my team a copy of his book when it came out.

For values: Patagonia. The encapsulation of a brand that stands for something and hence will last for generations.

8. Go-to comfort food after a chaotic day?

Dumplings and Siracha.

9. Best DM you’ve ever received (or sent)?

Solid question. The first reply I got — from my now partner of many years — on Tinder 😂

10. What’s your biggest ick on LinkedIn right now?

SaaS sales people promising they don’t want to sell you something.
And then…selling you something.

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