What It’s Like Building a Startup While Living Out of a Backpack

Spoiler: it’s less “digital nomad in Bali” and more Google Meet calls while dodging kids toys and WiFi dead zones at cafes.

But here’s the twist—we wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Startup Born in San Diego

I, Kameron, am building Movmo from Quito, Ecuador—not Silicon Valley, while Brian is building from San Diego, CA. I moved with my family from San Diego to Quito in December of 2024. My wife is from here, so we moved the whole family (all 4 of us) to take advantage of something startup life rarely gets you:

Help. Real help. Having family support—and a rockstar nanny—has been a game-changer.

It gives me space to think, build, and breathe while still being a dad. That balance is rare in the startup world, but crucial if you want to do this for the long haul.

Focus Over Friction

My co-founder Brian and I have been running Movmo remotely since February 2024. And get this:

No drama. No breakdowns. Just progress. But how?

• Clear vision

• Relentless communication

• Mutual patience

• And yeah, a lot of Google Docs and Notion

Turns out, you don’t need a co-working space with an espresso bar to build something big. You just need someone who’s aligned and all-in.

LATAM > Corporate America (Sometimes)

We teamed up with Spingarn, one of Latin America’s top law firms, to structure Movmo the right way—and it’s been excellent and one of the best decisions we've made. Quick turnaround, clear advice, and zero BS. Don't get me wrong, things do move a bit slower in LATAM, BUT you can get the contacts you need.

Honestly, getting in front of the right people here has been easier than in the U.S. If you’ve got a solid intro? You’re in.

Work, Life, Travel. Repeat.

So yeah, we’re building a global startup from a small South American home with my family of four and two in-laws—surrounded by family, kids, and the occasional mountain view, and from San Diego, CA. It’s gritty, grounding, and kind of perfect. We couldn't do it without the support of the family and our abilities to work remotely with our employers while we build out Movmo. We are especially grateful for our wives and their support.

Movmo isn’t just about fixing travel. It’s built on it.

PS: Want to see where this is going? Sign up below and get an early look at how we’re rebuilding airfare booking from the ground up.