"Schools try really hard to do all these jobs equally well for all kids, and it's a completely impossible task."

ClassDojo CEO Sam Chaudhary shares how his education platform reached 50 million students by making the counterintuitive decision to spend seven years building a network before monetizing. In this revealing conversation with Immad Akhund and Raj Suri, Sam explains why education companies typically fail and how Class Dojo broke through by focusing on parents as true customers rather than selling to institutions.

The discussion explores their unique growth strategy and delves into the psychology of education, with Sam sharing insights on how children develop best in "cozy bubbles" where they can explore interests without constant comparison, and why the balance between challenge and support is crucial for both children and high-performing teams.

This episode offers essential lessons for founders tackling challenging markets, building consumer networks, and creating environments where authentic growth trumps comparison.

Episode 176: Jiminy Crooked