The Future Is Now: Adam Fish Of Ditto On How Their Technological Innovations Will Shake Up The Tech Scene

Culture is as Important as Technology. When I first started, I assumed brilliant engineering alone would carry us forward. Over time, I realized our core values — communication, trust, and continual improvement — are equally crucial to success. These values guide our hiring decisions and shape the way we collaborate. A high-performing team isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s also about how effectively people work together toward a common goal.

As a part of our series about cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Fish.

Adam is the CEO and co-founder of Ditto, an edge sync platform that synchronizes data from edge to cloud, even in the absence of connectivity. Before founding Ditto, Adam held the position of VP of Product at Realm Inc, where he played a crucial role in shaping the development of database and synchronization products, ultimately leading to the company’s acquisition by MongoDB. By blending his extensive technical expertise with sharp business acumen, Adam has solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur and software expert.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about you. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I’ve been drawn to entrepreneurship for as long as I can remember. Early in my career, I founded a company focused on mobile applications — a space that was just taking off at the time. That experience quickly revealed many app developers face a huge challenge: data synchronization. I wanted to pour my energy into crafting incredible user experiences and intuitive interfaces, but I kept getting bogged down in building and maintaining the “plumbing” behind the scenes. Ensuring that data stayed consistent across devices — especially in environments with limited connectivity — was a difficult problem to solve.

My quest to tackle that challenge head-on eventually led me to Realm, where I became VP of Product. Realm’s approach required a server, which was a significant leap forward for many developers, but it also highlighted a broader opportunity. Smartphones and mobile devices had become supercomputers in their own right — no longer just “dumb clients” that constantly relied on cloud infrastructure. By 2018, I was convinced there was a better way to handle data synchronization that treated these powerful devices as equals in the network rather than mere endpoints.

This realization was the foundation for what we now call “edge-native” architecture. Edge-native is a type of system architecture built specifically to enable operations to be resilient to downtime not reliant upon cloud services to function. In this system, edge devices actively participate in processing, storing, and synchronizing data autonomously rather than merely acting as endpoints for the cloud or local servers. This is the opposite of a traditional cloud-native system that I saw people moving away from due to resiliency and latency problems when deploying to edge environments. This paradigm shift maximizes the capabilities of modern devices and modern systems, allowing them to utilize their full power without the need for a constant connection to the internet or a server.

Noticing this paradigm shift led me to co-found Ditto. Our mission is to provide an edge sync platform that can synchronize data directly from device to device without being strictly dependent on server connectivity. By empowering developers to build robust, edge applications, we’re opening up new possibilities — especially in scenarios where network connections are unreliable or non-existent. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this approach not only simplifies developers’ lives but also unlocks new types of software experiences that simply weren’t feasible before.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

The most interesting — and perhaps the most validating — moment of my career came full circle last year. Years ago, I was so fascinated by data synchronization problems that I joined Realm, where we built a mobile sync product eventually acquired by MongoDB. Instead of following Realm into MongoDB post-acquisition, I decided the bigger opportunity lay in creating a system that wouldn’t rely on the cloud at all — which led me to co-found Ditto.

Fast-forward six years to 2024, and MongoDB reached out to explore a partnership. They had decided to deprecate Realm and were looking for a best-of-breed edge solution. We ended up collaborating to create an integration with MongoDB Atlas, giving MongoDB customers a way to harness Ditto’s edge syncing capabilities seamlessly. For me and the entire Ditto team, it was an incredible moment of validation — seeing one of the largest database companies recognize the exact value proposition we’d been championing all along. It felt like closing the loop on a journey that started with my early obsession with data sync and has now evolved into a fully realized, next-generation solution for the edge.

Can you tell us about the cutting-edge technological breakthroughs that you are working on? How do you think that will help people?

At Ditto, we’re focused on three key breakthroughs that enhance edge-native architecture and make true edge synchronization possible:

1. Delta CRDTs (Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types): Unlike traditional sync systems, which depend on a central server, our approach allows devices to share only the changes (“deltas”) needed to stay in sync. Because CRDTs mathematically guarantee data convergence, we don’t require a server at all. This drastically reduces bandwidth usage and makes it easier to stay synchronized over “flappy” connections like Bluetooth. This technology is critical to our edge-native design. Devices can function independently at the edge, sharing directly to maintain consistency, in large part because of CRDTs, which minimize the data packets needing to be sent over bandwidth-limited networks.
2. Seamless Network Agnosticism: We’re not tied to any single transport. Ditto works over Wi-Fi, peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, satellite — whatever’s available. Data keeps flowing even when traditional internet access is spotty or nonexistent.
3. Proven Scalability in Real-World Tests: We’ve invested heavily in physical device testing to ensure our mesh-based synchronization holds up in mission-critical situations. Today, our technology is trusted in everything from point-of-sale systems that can’t afford downtime to military applications demanding the highest levels of reliability.

Our technology is unique to others in the market as it helps people with: :

• Offline Resilience: The ability to continue operating without a stable connection.
• Lower Costs & Better Performance: Less reliance on the cloud reduces latency and bandwidth expenses.
• Mission-Critical Reliability: Our rigorous testing proves Ditto can handle high-stakes scenarios, ensuring data integrity even under extreme conditions.

How do you think this might change the world?

We’re heading into a future where connectivity is both pervasive and unpredictable. Even if you’re in a major city, your devices can still get stuck on congested or unreliable networks. By enabling data synchronization without relying on a single central server or even a stable internet connection, our technology can fundamentally reshape how people and organizations interact with data in a variety of ways:

1. Bridging the Digital Divide: Rural communities, emerging markets, and hard-to-reach areas often have patchy connectivity. With robust offline and peer-to-peer sync, critical tools — whether for education, healthcare, or commerce — can reach places previously left behind.
2. Boosting Efficiency and Resilience: Businesses running mission-critical apps — from supply chain logistics to point-of-sale systems — no longer have to pause or lose revenue if the network goes down. That extra layer of resilience could become a competitive advantage across industries.
3. Privacy and Security by Design: Because data doesn’t always need to transit through the cloud, it can remain closer to the user. This opens the door for more secure, decentralized models of data ownership and control.
4. Accelerating Innovation: Once developers realize they can build fully functional apps that don’t depend on an always-on internet, we’ll see entirely new categories of software. Think of the impact on everything from disaster relief to autonomous vehicles — any scenario where local decision-making and data are crucial.

If a device can process, store, and share data on its own, it’s no longer just a “client.” It’s an active participant in a global, decentralized network. We believe this shift in architecture has the power to make technology more equitable, efficient, and transformative for everyone.

Keeping “Black Mirror” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks of this technology that people should think more deeply about?

As edge technology and peer-to-peer networking become more widespread, we’ll increasingly rely on autonomous systems that make critical decisions, possibly without human oversight. This autonomy can bring tremendous benefits — instant responsiveness, real-time data processing, and the ability to continue operating under network constraints — but it also carries significant risks:

1. Lack of Centralized Oversight: When devices operate independently at the edge, it becomes harder for a central authority to audit or intervene if something goes wrong. A bad software update or flawed algorithm can propagate rapidly, creating real-world consequences before humans have time to react.
2. Bias and Unintended Consequences: Autonomous systems often rely on machine learning models trained in controlled environments. If these models are deployed on edge devices without continuous feedback, they may carry biases or make decisions that don’t adapt to local realities — potentially leading to errors or unfair outcomes.
3. Security Vulnerabilities: Edge autonomy expands the “attack surface” if each device is making its own decisions and communicating with nearby peers. If malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in one node, they could influence or disrupt entire swarms of devices without ever touching a central server.
4. Difficulty Rolling Back or Patching: In a fully decentralized system, updating devices in the field can be complex. When a critical patch is needed, how do you ensure that every node — potentially located in remote or constrained environments — receives it quickly and correctly?

While autonomous edge systems promise enormous gains in efficiency and resilience, they also demand careful design, robust security, and ongoing oversight. Striking the right balance between decentralization and accountability, as we believe we’ve done with Ditto, will be key to ensuring these technologies serve us ethically and effectively.

Was there a “tipping point” that led you to this breakthrough? Can you tell us that story?

The real tipping point emerged during my time at Realm, where I saw firsthand the limitations of scaling with a central server. We had an excellent mobile sync solution, but we kept hitting the same roadblock: devices needed to talk to a single server or cluster. I realized that if we truly wanted to leverage the power of today’s mobile devices — and the cloud, for that matter — we needed a more flexible, mesh-like architecture. In a peer-to-peer system, not only can devices connect directly to each other, but servers can also participate in that same mesh. This opens the door for globally distributed servers for faster local access and entirely new use cases where devices share data directly, without waiting for a round trip to a server. This early experiment solidified our vision for edge-native systems — enabling devices, servers, and even cloud components to coexist in a decentralized network where each part is utilized in a strategic way, and not because it is essential to the system integrity.

The assumption really crystallized when we built the first rough prototype of what would become Ditto. Even though it was buggy and we hadn’t yet officially formed a company, a major airline showed immediate interest in purchasing it. That was the spark of validation we needed. If a large enterprise was willing to bet on us — even in such an early, imperfect state — it confirmed the market’s demand for a decentralized, peer-to-peer approach to data sync. It gave us the confidence to raise capital, build a team, and pursue this vision of a truly distributed edge-to-cloud platform.

What do you need to lead this technology to widespread adoption?

1. Developer Awareness & Education: We have to show developers how peer-to-peer data sync solves real problems. That means great tooling, straightforward documentation, and real-world examples they can follow. We also need to define and expand the conversation around edge-native architectures and how Ditto’s tech is enhancing that space. Many developers still think in terms of centralized systems, cloud-native most often. Education about the massive benefits — greater resilience, lower latency, reduced infrastructure costs — will be essential to driving adoption.
2. Seamless Integration with Existing Platforms: Most companies won’t rebuild their entire stack from scratch. So, we’ve focused on deep integrations with platforms like MongoDB Atlas. That way, developers can incorporate edge sync without disrupting their existing infrastructure.
3. Security & Real-World Proof Points: In mission-critical environments, nothing matters more than data protection and reliability. Having robust encryption and compliant systems is key. Once teams see real-world deployments that handle mission-critical scenarios smoothly, adoption naturally accelerates. We are fortunate to include companies like Chick-fil-A, Delta, Lufthansa, the US Air Force, and more as real-world examples of how our technology makes a difference for them every day.

What have you been doing to publicize this idea? Have you been using any innovative marketing strategies?

One of our most effective strategies is simply showing Ditto in action. Although Ditto is fundamentally a new type of database, its “wow factor” resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences alike. When we demo two phones in airplane mode instantly syncing data in real-time — no server, no internet — it’s a powerful, almost magical moment. Most people have no idea such a thing is even possible.

That visual impact helps us connect at multiple levels within organizations. We talk to executives and decision-makers about the high-level benefits — like reliability in low-connectivity environments, reduced cloud dependence, and cost savings. Then, we engage directly with the developers who will actually implement Ditto. They want technical deep dives, documentation, and examples of how it integrates into existing stacks.

Beyond demos, we share success stories and case studies from our customers — whether it’s point-of-sale systems that keep working during network outages or field service applications that stay synced in remote locations. By showcasing these real-world scenarios, we make it clear how Ditto can solve concrete problems. So, while we do the usual things like blog posts, conference talks, and community building, the real magic lies in letting people experience our peer-to-peer sync firsthand. Once they see it, the value proposition becomes obvious.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I’m especially grateful to Matt Winn, the former CEO of Over (a photo-editing app acquired by GoDaddy) and a longtime friend. We first met about 15 years ago when I was an intern at Chrysalis Ventures, a healthcare and technology venture firm. That internship — and the friendship that grew out of it — helped guide me into entrepreneurship and eventually brought me to San Francisco to start my first company.

While building the mobile sync technology at that first company, I started seeing the massive potential of edge devices. That early experience planted the seeds for what would become Ditto. Fast-forward to 2018, when I was getting Ditto off the ground, it was again Matt’s connection that introduced me to Om Malik — who ended up joining Ditto’s board via True Ventures for our seed round. In essence, Matt’s friendship and belief in my vision have played a key role in opening doors and shaping my path.

Ditto’s technology may be our core product, but none of it would be possible without the people behind it — friends like Matt, investors like Om, and our entire team. I’m reminded every day that strong relationships are just as critical to success as groundbreaking technology.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

One of our core goals at Ditto is bridging the digital divide for those in areas with limited or no connectivity. To help achieve this goal, we partner with organizations that are tackling real-world challenges, including:

• ShareMyHealth: A company improving childhood nutrition around the globe. By leveraging Ditto’s peer-to-peer sync, their healthcare data and resources can reach remote communities even when internet access is spotty.
• Educational Non-Profits: We help provide tablets with learning materials to underdeveloped areas, ensuring students can access crucial educational content offline.
• Ignis Technologies: We’re enabling better communication for firefighters in challenging, often disconnected environments — especially critical given the growing concern about wildfires in the Western U.S.

Whether it’s healthcare, education, or emergency response, we’re proud to contribute to solutions that bring connectivity where it’s needed most. By making technology work seamlessly offline, we aim to support organizations doing important work on the front lines — and help them have a bigger impact in the communities they serve.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

1. Culture is as Important as Technology

When I first started, I assumed brilliant engineering alone would carry us forward. Over time, I realized our core values — communication, trust, and continual improvement — are equally crucial to success. These values guide our hiring decisions and shape the way we collaborate. A high-performing team isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s also about how effectively people work together toward a common goal.

2. Storytelling Matters

Whether you’re pitching potential investors or explaining complex technology to executives, how you tell the story can make or break a deal. Early on, I’d dive straight into technical details, only to see eyes glaze over. I soon learned that weaving a narrative — about the problem we solve and the impact it has — bridges the gap between a curious listener and a committed partner.

3. Use First-Principles Thinking

We faced skepticism when approaching the U.S. government market because it’s notoriously difficult to break into. Instead of accepting that as a given, we dissected each obstacle: procurement rules, security clearances, pilot programs. By addressing these piece by piece, we turned a daunting challenge into an actionable roadmap, and now government use cases are a key part of our business. We also applied this principle when developing the idea of edge-native architecture. We questioned the true power of modern devices and the assumption that all data must pass through a central server and were actually able to build a more efficient way to move data around the edge.

4. The Hardest Challenges are People, Not Technology

I used to think our biggest hurdles would be technical — like designing advanced peer-to-peer protocols. But technology issues often have clear solutions or at least well-defined approaches. The real complexity lies in building, motivating, and retaining a world-class team. Identifying, recruiting, and managing top talent is an ongoing process that demands constant attention and refinement.

5. Don’t Get Caught in the Highs and Lows

Startups are filled with extreme ups and downs: you land a major deal only to confront a critical bug the following day. I’ve learned that keeping a steady perspective is crucial for long-term success. We’re aiming to build a generational company, so weathering those inevitable highs and lows in a balanced way is key to maintaining the drive and focus we need over the long haul.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I’d like to see software creation become so accessible that you don’t need specialized engineering skills to turn ideas into powerful applications. Originally, my fixation on data synchronization came from wanting to eliminate the “plumbing” work behind apps, which led to building Ditto. But now, with advanced AI, we can push this even further. If we remove the complexity of coding and connectivity, anyone — regardless of technical background — can create meaningful software for their own communities. That, I believe, is how we truly bridge the digital divide: by empowering everyday problem-solvers to build their own solutions.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

One quote that guides me is from Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement speech: “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”

I know it is dramatic, but that mindset helps me keep big challenges in perspective. It’s partly what inspired me to make some of the riskiest decisions in my life — like starting a company, a move that, statistically, is almost guaranteed to fail. But if you acknowledge that life is short and there isn’t much to lose, it frees you to focus on what truly matters and to tackle ambitious goals without being paralyzed by the fear of failure.

Some very well-known VCs read this column. If you had 60 seconds to make a pitch to a VC, what would you say? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)

Imagine the next great platform shift in computing — beyond mainframes, PCs, mobile, and the cloud — to edge computing, where supercomputers live in our pockets and power everything from cars to factory floors. Now factor in the massive tailwinds of AI deployments at the edge, where real-time, offline-capable intelligence is becoming essential.

Ditto has already built the foundational platform for that future. Our peer-to-peer sync technology, powered by delta CRDTs, enables devices to share only the data that’s changed — removing the need for a central server and ensuring apps continue working in real-time, even without the internet. We’ve already partnered with industry leaders — like MongoDB — to bring edge-native capabilities to mission-critical systems, from point-of-sale networks to government applications.

We believe edge computing plus AI will transform industries. By removing network bottlenecks and empowering real-time data exchange, Ditto provides the vital infrastructure needed for truly intelligent, next-generation applications to thrive at the edge.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

I welcome people to connect with me on LinkedIn or follow @Adam_Fish on X.

Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.