Amjad Masad, the Founder and CEO of Replit, shares his inspiring journey from a young coder in Jordan to leading a $1.1B tech company. He elaborates on his relentless persistence and multiple attempts for Y Combinator acceptance. The discussion highlights the evolution of programming tools, the critical role of AI in future development, and the significance of mentorship. Masad emphasizes how curiosity and resilience shape entrepreneurial success, urging aspiring founders to embrace their unique narratives on their paths.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Coding Venture
Amjad Masad built software for internet cafes as a teenager in Jordan to automate their management.
This early venture taught him about databases and software challenges.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Move to the US
Inspired by "Pirates of Silicon Valley," Amjad wanted to join the tech scene.
He later worked on a browser-based coding platform, leading to job offers and his move to the US.
insights INSIGHT
Democratizing Development
Amjad believed more people would code if tools were easier, but recognized time constraints as a barrier.
His work at Facebook on React Native aimed to democratize mobile development by simplifying it.
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The book explores the greatest economic and political transition in centuries, predicting the shift from an industrial to an information-based society. Davidson and Rees-Mogg argue that this transition will liberate individuals, alter the power of government, and lead to the rise of digital currency and cyberspace. They foresee a future where individuals will be freed from government oppression and prejudice, and where states will struggle to collect taxes due to the ease of transferring assets electronically. The authors also discuss the potential for prosperity and renewal in the face of radical changes in human history as we move into the new millennium[1][2][4].
Zero to One
Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Peter Thiel
In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future[2][3][5].
Amjad Masad's journey is defined by relentless persistence. Born and raised in Jordan, he borrowed computers to teach himself coding, and then earned money building software for local internet cafes. He applied to Y Combinator again and again, finally gaining acceptance on his fourth try. His constant drive fueled continuous improvement, culminating in the breakthrough success of Replit, the $1.1B company focused on empowering the next billion software creators.
In this wide-ranging episode, Mike Maples, Jr. of Floodgate speaks with Masad about his journey from Jordan to Silicon Valley and the early days of Replit, how he always focused on figuring out the future of technology, the reasons some founders simply feel born to succeed, and why the 1997 book The Sovereign Individual resonates so loudly today.
Check out the Pattern Breakers Blog at patternbreakers.substack.com for even more Pattern Breaking content from Mike.
Mike's book Pattern Breakers is available now wherever you buy books.
Pattern Breakers 
