My First Million
The Board Game Billionaire: From a $10k Kickstarter to $100M/Year Business
Apr 21, 2025
Elan Lee, creator of the wildly successful card game Exploding Kittens, shares insights on his journey from a $10K Kickstarter to a $100M business. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on consumer engagement rather than just funding. The conversation dives into innovative marketing strategies, the necessity of humor in game design, and how constraints can spark creativity. Elan also discusses the significance of player interaction and shares amusing anecdotes from promoting his game at conventions.
01:17:58
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Quick takeaways
- Exploding Kittens transitioned from a $10,000 Kickstarter goal to a $2 million funding milestone in just 48 hours, illustrating the power of engaging with a broad audience.
- The core philosophy emphasizes that successful games derive entertainment from player interactions, fostering memorable experiences that keep users engaged and returning for more.
Deep dives
Unprecedented Success from Humble Beginnings
The journey of launching a board game company began with an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 on Kickstarter, which was astonishingly achieved in just seven minutes. Within the first 48 hours, funding skyrocketed to $2 million, showing immense initial support. This rapid fundraising success was heavily attributed to the popularity of the creator's game, Exploding Kittens, which captivated a broad audience. The overwhelming response prompted an exploration of how to further engage with backers beyond mere financial contributions, leading to innovative marketing strategies.
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