How I Built This with Guy Raz

Boxed: Chieh Huang

Feb 22, 2021

Chieh Huang, Co-founder and CEO of Boxed, shares his incredible journey from a mobile gaming entrepreneur to launching an online bulk retailer from his garage. He discusses the early challenges of competing against giants like Amazon and Walmart while emphasizing the importance of personal touches, like handwritten notes in every box. Huang also reflects on the pivotal moments that led to unexpected growth and highlights his commitment to employee welfare, showcasing how innovation and perseverance can transform a startup into a valued business.

01:28:41

Episode guests

Chieh Huang

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

Navigating a Competitive Landscape: The Birth of Boxed

6min

From Dreams to Chocolate: A Journey of Identity and Entrepreneurship

13min

From Law to Gaming: A Bold Leap

10min

A Last-Minute Turnaround: The Power of Unexpected Endorsement

3min

From Game Development to Acquisition

15min

Navigating Early Challenges in Mobile Commerce

12min

Seizing Opportunity: The Breakthrough Moment

3min

From Garage to Growth: Navigating Startup Challenges

16min

10.

Revolutionizing Grocery Delivery

11min

11.

Navigating Success: Hard Work, Luck, and Future Partnerships

2min

12.

A Humorous Reflection on the First Box Shipment

2min

Over the course of ten years as a founder, Chieh Huang bet twice on the ubiquity of the smartphone. The first time was in 2010 with Astro Ape, a mobile gaming company that he founded with a few friends out of an attic. The second time was with Boxed, a mobile bulk-retailer that he co-launched in 2013 out of his New Jersey garage. Chieh and his tiny team scrambled to send out their first boxes of toilet paper and laundry detergent, gambling that they could compete with monster retailers by offering fewer items, competitive prices, and a hand-written note in every box. Since its launch 8 years ago, Boxed has sent out tens of millions of boxes of groceries, and has been valued at over $600M.

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