Creator Science #31: Sahil Lavingia – Gumroad and the evolution of online creators
Oct 27, 2020
Sahil Lavingia, founder and CEO of Gumroad, shares insights from his journey after leaving Pinterest to create a platform that empowers creators. He discusses the evolution of online sales, emphasizing the shift from physical to digital products. Lavingia highlights the importance of authenticity and community for creators in today’s landscape. He also delves into the significance of writing in the creative process and argues that building competence should precede audience growth, merging passion with expertise for sustainable success.
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Gumroad's Origin
- Sahil Lavingia, Gumroad's founder, initially wanted to sell an icon online but found no easy way.
- This led him to create Gumroad, realizing a growing trend of digital product sales.
The Rise of "Creator"
- The term "creator" was not common in 2011 when Gumroad started.
- Platforms like Kickstarter and YouTube were among the first to use it, and Gumroad popularized it further.
Creator Verticals
- Early Gumroad focused on music, film, publishing, and software, mirroring offline industry hubs.
- The rise of "info products" led to the broader term "creator" encompassing educators and others.