All apps and companies

S
App · Other

Slups

A bootstrapped app run by Curtis.

1 source1 tips
At a glanceCurtis bootstraps first and raises only if the market is huge
  1. 1Bootstrap on reinvested profitsTeam of about 12, no outside money
  2. 2Build a $10 million businessCash-flowing, and you learn the market
  3. 3Look for a multi-billion opportunityRaise only if the market proves bigger
  4. 4Raise on better termsHigher valuation, less dilution; else keep it all

From Curtis, Slups founder

What was said about Slups

  • Curtis bootstrapped Slups to about 12 people and reinvests every year. Curtis chose the bootstrapped path on purpose and is happy with the result. The team is about 12 people, funded by reinvesting profits each year.

    The source notes a $300K check four years ago might have cut two years of slow growth, so the path had a real cost in speed.

  • Bootstrap first, raise later only if the market proves much bigger. Build a cash-flowing business of around $10 million, then raise only if you find a multi-billion dollar opportunity. You then raise at a higher valuation, with less dilution and better terms.

    If the big market never appears, you still own the whole business. Quote: "You can build a $10 million business and then realize, wow, we've earned some insight into where the multi-billion dollar company actually is."

More in Other

Other

Apple

A consumer technology company that makes the Mac, iPod, iPhone and software.

74 sources · 200 tips
Other

Google

Google's web search product, now including AI Overviews, AI Mode and Lens.

47 sources · 97 tips
Other

Google Play

Google's app store for Android, with its own listing rules and search ranking.

18 sources · 49 tips
SOther

Standard Oil

John D. Rockefeller's oil refining company that came to dominate American kerosene and oil distribution.

5 sources · 48 tips
Other

TSMC

The world's leading contract chip maker, a pure-play foundry that manufactures chips for fabless designers.

6 sources · 32 tips
Other

Tesla

An electric car maker that builds its own key components and factories.

13 sources · 23 tips
Other

Intel

A semiconductor company that made memory chips and the first microprocessor.

10 sources · 20 tips
Other

SpaceX

A private aerospace company building reusable rockets, the Dragon capsule, Starship and the Starlink satellite network.

4 sources · 27 tips