In 2002, MacFarlane co-founded Sonos, an audio equipment company, alongside Shelburne, Tom Cullen, and Trung Mai.
[4] Due to their existing wealth from Software.com, MacFarlane and his co-founders were able to independently fund Sonos and not rely on investment.
[6] In a blog post, he cited that he wanted to spend more time with his family, specifically due to his wife's battle with breast cancer.
[7] He also stated that he wanted to focus more on Sonos' programs in science and math education and the music and tech industries.
[8] Additionally, MacFarlane remarked that his departure from Sonos was delayed due to a recent pivot in product strategy following Amazon's release of their Echo speakers.