- Raised $393M in two years (Emphasized execution over discovery) - Built several distribution centers, complete with custom-developed warehouse robots - Developed custom software to manage customer ordering and delivery processes - Launched in June 1999, filed for IPO 60 days later. End of 2000, -600M, 6 mos later bankrupt.
- Started in November 2006, scratched a personal itch - Heard that others might be interested in this. Decided to build a commercial version - Over years, redesigned site once, added too little number of features that solved painpoints, spent more than we care to share on adwords. - Now retrofitting into a customer-driven development. Survey.io, GetSatisfaction, etc.
- Started as etsy shop selling custom-made jewelry - Discovered quite by accident that supplies for jewelry are in higher demand than jewelry itself. (Etsy’s market was saturated with jewelry shops) - Decided instead to sell the findings for jewelry. Sales skyrocketed - Began investing in purchases of jewelry metal at wholesale quantity. Continued growth. Now full-time business--costs low, customer feedback loop is tight and helps guide continued product growth.
- Began from day one as a customer-driven development model. Solved a major pain point for many people, without being too broad. No boiling the ocean here. - Chose smart mentors in early stages, by applying to YCombinator. - Extremely simple interface. It just works. Has become a must-have for anybody sharing files online. Has received $7.2M in funding, funded by Sequoia Capital and Accel Partners, and has millions of users and growing rapidly.