I Built a Multi-Million Dollar Startup With $0 Venture Capital 📈

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  • Опубликовано: 25 авг 2024
  • This is how I built a multi-million dollar startup with $0 venture capital... I'm walking you through my step-by-step process for growing a profitable startup, plus how to build it from Day 1 so it actually sells. Watch to the end to hear my BIGGEST regret!
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    Secret Way To Make $10k+ More MRR (SaaS Cheat Code): • Secret Way To Make An ...
    SaaS Marketing Strategies Competitors Are Using To Crush You: • SaaS Marketing Strateg...
    The Stair Step Approach In Action: ruclips.net/user/li...
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    Welcome to MicroConf - Where Independent SaaS Founders Launch, Meet, Learn, and Grow! MicroConf is the world’s most trusted community for bootstrapped SaaS founders.
    MicroConf is a community of SaaS founders that brings together bootstrapped and independently-funded B2B SaaS companies who are not looking to chase “unicorn status'' or venture capital.
    We provide SaaS training, education and networking opportunities for other founders who are pre-product, focused on scaling their business, and looking for an exit strategy.
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Комментарии • 107

  • @MicroConf
    @MicroConf  Год назад +5

    Secret Way To Make $10k+ More MRR (SaaS Cheat Code): ruclips.net/video/cW-R9ZHDI60/видео.html

    • @esanakintunde9271
      @esanakintunde9271 Год назад

      Hey, I watched your video and was refueled with inspiration. Do you currently invest in Consumer Health???

  • @nguye1971
    @nguye1971 Год назад +13

    Rob … really admire you bro. I m still a dreamer here - all-in solo founder. Hope to get there one day:)

    • @haidar6280
      @haidar6280 Год назад

      What are you building?

    • @nguye1971
      @nguye1971 Год назад +1

      @@haidar6280 a very simplified CRM tool for a small business

    • @aak-agami9734
      @aak-agami9734 Год назад

      Looking for a team, Tet#6517

  • @ray-mc-l
    @ray-mc-l Год назад +1

    been listening to startups for the rest of us for years. i never knew that scaling/selling drip took that much of a toll on you.
    your persona is very rational and calm, seems like pressure wouldn't affect you that much.
    maybe this one is a little too close to home, but it would definitely be interesting to hear the specifics of your experiences with stress. stories of particularly difficult days, and how you would approach them differently now.

  • @toddmueller
    @toddmueller Год назад +2

    Thanks for sharing your journey Rob. Fascinating story and all that you went through.

  • @ResilientFighter
    @ResilientFighter Год назад +2

    This is amazing content wish this came up on newsfeed more than me beast. Thanks for sharing

  • @draganapostolski4212
    @draganapostolski4212 Год назад +2

    Hey Rob. Do you have a video about the stair-step method?
    Btw I get a lot of value from your channel, thank you!

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +1

      Here you are my friend: ruclips.net/user/liveuZEJxLSf6X4
      Thank you for watching and so happy you are finding value here!

  • @KazzyOfficial
    @KazzyOfficial Год назад +2

    Love this channel!!

  • @ausername4meplease
    @ausername4meplease Год назад +3

    Wow! One of your best videos. I so needed this!

  • @Iaintsayinnothin..
    @Iaintsayinnothin.. Год назад +5

    Hi Rob, could you make a video on when VC funding truly is needed/ makes sense? (Even for anti-vc bootstrappers). I want to bootstrap but I’m wondering how realistic that is in the long term. Some companies start bootstrapped and have a lot of success and then raise funding way later and end up billion dollar companies. Also how to avoid the pitfalls of VC funding, I.e how to have the leverage when negotiating investment, avoiding large dilution, retaining decision making power, not being rushed to sell/ipo etc

  • @eric.niehaus
    @eric.niehaus Год назад +5

    Congrats man. Going through a tough time in my startup now. Encouraging and really appreciate the honesty. The peace sounds like a dream. Do you think it was worth it? I'm considering cutting losses.

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +1

      Hey Eric, there were certainly hard times throughout the process of building Drip. That said, it absolutely changed my life. So yes, it was 100% worth it.
      If you haven’t already, I suggest you check out “The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together” that I co-authored with my wife, Dr. Sherry Walling. We deep dive into the mental game involved in startups and you’ll learn some strategies and techniques to overcome the challenges involved in building a successful startup. a.co/d/caINL8W

  • @neilmorgan6807
    @neilmorgan6807 Год назад +6

    What a fascinating, insightful and honest account, Rob. You really portray the "all in" nature of this. I would love to know how your earlier successes fed into how your journey with Drip ended up being so successful. Maybe this is in your new book! I will find out when it's released maybe. 😉

  • @realamanazad
    @realamanazad Год назад +2

    Just watched the From Beach Towels to A Successful Exit talk, great summary of that full length version! Raised VC money for my last startup, learning so much on how to do it again bootstrapped.

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed it :)

  • @caseyspaulding
    @caseyspaulding Год назад +4

    Awesome Story. Thank you.

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +1

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here :)

  • @LolLol-dj1tf
    @LolLol-dj1tf Год назад +1

    Thanks for your transparency!

  • @johnnovotny4286
    @johnnovotny4286 Год назад +1

    excellent grass-roots story, just great

  • @mattportnoyTLV
    @mattportnoyTLV Год назад +10

    0:22 I walked through a startup and eventual sale of a company. What you're describing here is EXACTLY what I went through. Damaged relationships, destructive stress, and mixed emotions...I didn't really feel like I could even enjoy what I accomplished. I thought I was the only one who experienced this.

    • @TozzaYT
      @TozzaYT Год назад

      This is a little scary - I was thinking of being an entrepreneur, I'm super social but broke, although worried I'll end up lonely but rich haha

    • @mattportnoyTLV
      @mattportnoyTLV Год назад

      @@TozzaYT just my two cents, having been on both sides of this…people are happiest when they make a good living, but not too much $$$.
      Building a big co is very hard work, and it can be brutal on friendships. I never want to do that again. It was very lonely.
      These days I run a small SaaS company, and it’s perfect for my lifestyle. I don’t have a big team to manage, and I have location freedom.

  • @thefeeps
    @thefeeps Год назад +2

    Bravo great video thanks for sharing

  • @PatrickRams
    @PatrickRams Год назад +2

    What a story, I'm inspired 👏

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +1

      Glad to hear it! Thanks Patrick, really appreciate that!

  • @Vinrob92
    @Vinrob92 Год назад +1

    Great video, Rob!

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      Thank you! Appreciate you watching

  • @anthonymichael123
    @anthonymichael123 Год назад +1

    Fun watch, Rob! :)

  • @Kazzydreamwell
    @Kazzydreamwell Год назад +2

    Applied to TinySeed fund, hope I get to pitch Rob!!!!

  • @sit-inwithstoo-ie800
    @sit-inwithstoo-ie800 Год назад +1

    wow thank you for you honestly. this really resonated with me!

  • @alaaelhadba7310
    @alaaelhadba7310 Год назад

    Very inspiring, Thanks for sharing your journey.

  • @leenewell1447
    @leenewell1447 Год назад +2

    Fantastic video Rob, long time follower and listener of the podcast. You have said on the podcast that you wouldn't do another bootstrapped startup like drip, but looking back would you say it was worth it and if you could go back in time would you have done it again?

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +1

      Yes, I’d do it again. Though, as I said at the end of the video, I’d change a few things if I could.

  • @NdubisiOnuora
    @NdubisiOnuora Год назад +1

    Great video!

  • @litDevYT
    @litDevYT Год назад +2

    Saved . Thanks

  • @DeepeshSachdev_Gaming
    @DeepeshSachdev_Gaming Год назад +1

    Can you suggest some good book on how to decrease churn rate?I am currently building my first Saas. I am former Software engineer.

  • @denno021
    @denno021 Год назад +2

    I want to back and support the book (and get a copy), but I do not want to support Kickstarter.. What other options do I have?
    Thank you so much for sharing your story, I've found it incredibly inspiring

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +3

      The book will be available on Amazon in late Summer, 2023.

  • @matthewiversen
    @matthewiversen Год назад +1

    Relatable.

  • @KerrieFitzgerald1
    @KerrieFitzgerald1 9 месяцев назад

    Phenomenal Video!! Can't wait to join Microconf :)

  • @smart-sg5cs
    @smart-sg5cs 10 месяцев назад

    hey i really become a big time follower of your channel recently but today I became your fan❤
    i can see the emotions wher u were describing that u sold the company
    one thing I want to eager what made u sell drip or even thinking that way in the beginning when u r growing at a good speed
    pl reply to the same
    one main reason to even have discussion with seller to sell the company

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  9 месяцев назад

      Thanks for watching! For the full story of how I went about making the decision to sell Drip- check out this more in-depth conference talk I gave a few years back - ruclips.net/video/-7OWd1gPvek/видео.html

  • @thesprances8812
    @thesprances8812 6 месяцев назад

    Exceptional

  • @netmusicdotcom
    @netmusicdotcom Год назад +1

    A great story, Rob! And love the Abbey Road gold record :-)

    • @crverse
      @crverse Год назад

      seems fake

    • @netmusicdotcom
      @netmusicdotcom Год назад +1

      @@crverse That's a question for Rob, I suppose. I think there are more of those gold records awards issued to various individuals and organizations than one might assume - but if genuine, definitely a super nice piece to have in a Beatles collection :-)

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      Appreciate this! Thanks for watching, love that too :)

    • @crverse
      @crverse Год назад

      @@netmusicdotcom yup

  • @JoystickLab
    @JoystickLab 10 месяцев назад

    What's your take on mobile apps as a "Step 1" of the stairs? I have been reading both of your books and watching your videos, really helping me understand the basics of the marketing/ sales part of the process.
    I am close to launch, have only 8 lifetime presales (~$500) and 150 in the email list. I am super nervous and always in doubt. I am hoping to launch on iOS in mid-November and Android by End of November.

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  9 месяцев назад

      It’s an option. It can be harder to find B2B ideas that are mobile apps. Nice work doing some initial validation and getting the presales!

  • @Dropdabrickonyotoes
    @Dropdabrickonyotoes Год назад +2

    Will you do it on audible as well?

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      Yes it will. Should be out in late summer/early fall.

  • @Sam-ys6iw
    @Sam-ys6iw Год назад +1

    Ok ok ok, your book placement has got my attention but i can't find it on amazon!! where can i get the saas playbook ? haha

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      The Kickstarter is live now (14 days remain): www.kickstarter.com/projects/robwalling/the-saas-playbook-by-rob-walling
      Kickstarter finishes on April 20, 2023.
      The book, ebook, and audio book will all ship in June, and then the book will be available on Amazon, Audible, etc in July. Thank you for your interest! 🙏

  • @d.o.nmuzic3802
    @d.o.nmuzic3802 Год назад +1

    TY 🙏🏾

  • @zakirhoosen4404
    @zakirhoosen4404 Год назад

    What was Derik's rate per hour or Day at the time. ?

  • @josemora7288
    @josemora7288 Год назад

    How much did you put from your own money? Because VC didn't fund it, but it seems that it costed more than a dime before it was profitable

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      I pulled profit off my prior business, $150k-$200k. Before you say “I don’t have a business that’s throwing off that much cash,” I didn’t either just a few years earlier. I used my Stair Step Method to work our way up, from a small product to a slightly larger and so on. I started by investing only my time, and over 6 years was able to build my way up to this.

  • @rkane19
    @rkane19 Год назад +1

    Rob, this is a great story. May I ask though when you brought on Derrick as a contractor I assume he was being paid for that work?
    Were you just paying him out of your own pocket since you took no VC money?

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      I was paying him through the profits of my other businesses.

  • @shellderp
    @shellderp Год назад

    do you have any advice for someone who is starting a bootstrapped enterprise saas for their first time around how to write contracts, structure payments, and invoicing?

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      I would check out the book Founding Sales by Pete Kazanjy.

  • @b3ans4eva
    @b3ans4eva Год назад

    Looking at the Kickstarter, why is there no eBook only option? Especially when it’s going to cost a kings ransom to ship a hardback to NZ.

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      The ebook will be available on Amazon in late summer/early fall.

  • @eck0wns
    @eck0wns Год назад

    I'm in that stage of having an amazing product, but only able to get a few people willing to pay for it. Sucks.

    • @assmonkey9202
      @assmonkey9202 Год назад

      Live and learn. Research the market and sell before you commit to building

  • @CosmicBills
    @CosmicBills Год назад +1

    Great

  • @dschiffer121
    @dschiffer121 Год назад

    Thanks for sharing. I've very much enjoyed and appreciated your videos recently. I am a developer and have been putting together a variety of ideas and code. I have an interesting opportunity to sit and talk with a general manager of a company that operates in a new industry, and dominating that industry in my state. I'm trying to come up with a list of pointed questions that can help identify pain-points in not only their business, but the entire industry. Is there a way to chat with you a bit?

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      Sorry, I don’t offer up one-on-one consulting, but you can submit questions for me to answer on my podcast, Startups For The Rest of Us here: www.startupsfortherestofus.com/contact

  • @johnfknwick6488
    @johnfknwick6488 Год назад

    why do you need a kickstarter fund for your book if you are already a millionaire ??

  • @MARKOTHEDEV
    @MARKOTHEDEV Год назад

    Want to buy the book u you wrote but the link does not have bug button

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      The Kickstarter will go live tomorrow

    • @MARKOTHEDEV
      @MARKOTHEDEV Год назад

      @@MicroConf let freaking go!!

  • @robrita
    @robrita Год назад +2

    hmmm.. I think I need to go to gym 😢😢😢

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад

      Don't we all ;) Thanks for watching!

  • @NdubisiOnuora
    @NdubisiOnuora Год назад

    How did you convince people to join you without it being sold and without VC? How much investment did you personally make?😊

    • @MicroConf
      @MicroConf  Год назад +1

      I’ve laid out 5 secrets for hiring great people in this video: ruclips.net/video/lypHMpAoOsA/видео.html

  • @Greg_Chase
    @Greg_Chase 5 месяцев назад

    When we think about a new product or service, we go cold. To your point of 'curse of the audience' at time 7:45.
    Friends, family and 'loyal fan network' always want you to do well; they want to confirm to you, by their actions, that they're still on board with you.
    It's almost like the family dog: unconditional love, all the time. But if you take a dog treat to a new neighbor's home, and try to feed it to their dog (that doesn't know you), you find out if the treat is compelling enough to overcome their naturally suspicious nature of someone they don't know.
    We find out fast. We tell people the following: "When you meet someone with their unattractive newborn, you won't tell them "that's an ugly baby." But we're talking to YOU, someone who doesn't know us, PRIMARILY to get objective opinions. Please tell us if we have an ugly baby."
    Wow does that work.
    .

  • @ilanlee3025
    @ilanlee3025 Год назад +4

    Good video but obviously it didnt really pay off selling your business if you are still doing RUclips videos and trying to push out books and courses

    • @RobWalling
      @RobWalling 4 месяца назад +1

      😂 You’re hilarious!
      It’s all about how many people I can impact at this point…

  • @NietzscheanMan
    @NietzscheanMan Год назад +1

    I know the algo wants you to do the soy face, but it stops me from watching your content.

  • @chychywoohoo
    @chychywoohoo Год назад +1

    Obnoxious thumbnail

  • @EyeLabPNiece
    @EyeLabPNiece Год назад

    Are we gonna talk about that clickbait thumbnail? Nowhere in this video did he make such face, and we know having a whacky face increases viewer traffic. Shame on you people

  • @SuicidalBabyTTV
    @SuicidalBabyTTV Год назад +1

    I blocked your channel with 2 clicks. :O

  • @mindset_34
    @mindset_34 Год назад

    How can I contact you?

  • @aliveli3519
    @aliveli3519 Год назад

    i have an idea. can we realize it together? if u r interested pls send me a msg.

  • @tommyafrialdi6041
    @tommyafrialdi6041 Год назад

    Hi Rob.. Why The SaaS hardcover not ship to Indonesia? 🥲