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

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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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.

MicroConf began more than a decade ago. Since then, we’ve hosted more than 25 events with nearly 200 speakers, helped thousands of attendees, and impacted tens of thousands more through our videos and online community.

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Let’s Connect...

[nguye]

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

[ray-mc-l]

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.

[draganapostolski]

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

[Iaintsayinnothin..]

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]

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.

[toddmueller]

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

[mattportnoyTLV]

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.

[neilmorgan]

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. 😉

[ResilientFighter]

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

[realamanazad]

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.

[johnnovotny]

excellent grass-roots story, just great

[ausernamemeplease]

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

[Kazzydreamwell]

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

[leenewell]

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?

[DeepeshSachdev_Gaming]

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

[smart-sgcs]

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

[denno]

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

[alaaelhadba]

Very inspiring, Thanks for sharing your journey.

[JoystickLab]

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.

[Sam-ysiw]

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