Topline E111: How Bolt Hit $40M in Four Months and Why It Took Eric Simons Seven Years to Get There
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Jun 1, 2025 
Eric Simons, CEO of Bolt, bootstrapped his startup journey from an eccentric office squat at AOL to creating a $40M ARR powerhouse in just four months. He shares his transformative path that included relentless perseverance and insightful pivots. Eric draws parallels between training for an Ironman and the resilience needed in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of a disciplined, capital-efficient approach for sustainable growth, while also discussing the challenges and strategies essential for innovation in the fast-paced tech landscape.
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Years Building Browser Tech
- Eric Simons and his cofounder spent years developing a browser-based development environment technology since 2017.
- They faced skepticism from browser vendors and slow business traction before successfully pivoting to Bolt in 2023.
Exhaust Every Option Before Giving Up
- Entrepreneurs must turn over every stone and explore all options before giving up.
- Extending runway and efficient iteration are key when searching for product-market fit.
Physical Fitness Builds Mental Grit
- Maintain mental resilience by pushing yourself physically and embracing pain and discomfort.
- Physical discipline helps stabilize mindset for the challenges of entrepreneurship.