Startups For the Rest of Us Episode 776 | How Bootstrapping Led to a Life-Changing $90M SaaS Exit
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May 27, 2025 Kevin Wagstaff, co-founder of Spectora, reveals how he and his brother turned a humble home inspection software into a $90M powerhouse without outside funding. They discuss the surreal moment they became multimillionaires and the strategy of focusing on a mobile-first approach in an overlooked market. Kevin shares how embedding payments created a lucrative second revenue stream and the hustle that got them there—think early morning demos and trade shows. He also highlights the power of community in navigating challenges and building credibility.
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Surreal Moment of Wealth
- Kevin Wagstaff recalls the surreal moment the deal money arrived and how normal life quickly resumed despite newfound wealth.
- Instead of lavish celebration, he took out the trash and went to Costco, surprised by the ordinary feel of being multimillionaires.
Mobile-First Wins in Old Niche
- Mobile-first software transformed an outdated home inspection process that was tech backward.
- Emphasizing efficiency and in-field app use overcame a lagging industry norm and attracted customers.
Word of Mouth via Customer Service
- Investing heavily in exceptional customer service fosters word-of-mouth growth in less tech-savvy markets.
- Respond quickly and personally to build trust and organic referrals among users.
