Social Currency with Sammi Cohen John Hu (Stan) on the Path to $1 Billion, the Creator Economy and Building in Public
Jun 3, 2025
In this discussion, John Hu, CEO and co-founder of Stan, shares insights on transforming audiences into successful businesses. He explains why it's not too late to join the creator economy and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand. John also highlights the lessons learned from MrBeast’s business model and reveals why he feels guarded about fundraising. With tips on spotting business opportunities and the unique monetization strategies of Stan, this conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs.
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Stan's First Major Client Win
- John Hu landed Stan's first major client, Tatiana Londono, via a direct message on Instagram.
- Tatiana made a $999 coaching session sale without any marketing, proving Stan's potential.
Guarded Capital Strategy
- Stan raised $5 million seed funding as an accelerant but values ownership and profitability.
- The company deliberately avoids excessive fundraising to maintain control and focus on sustainable economics.
Authenticity Beats Competition
- Authenticity allows creators to escape competition, even in crowded markets.
- Personal stories and embracing quirks help creators connect deeply with their audience.