My First Million #6 - How This Silicon Valley Outsider Hustled His Way to $750M Exit - Meet Vungle's Jack Smith
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Jul 31, 2019 
Jack Smith, a clever entrepreneur and co-founder of Vungle, shares his journey from childhood antics—like selling prank itching powder—to launching successful startups. He reveals the clever 'LinkedIn Hack' that secured him a $120k investment and discusses the challenges of fundraising at just 20. Jack emphasizes the power of creativity in marketing and networking, illustrating how innovative approaches can lead to substantial opportunities. His insights on navigating the startup landscape offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Itchy Bomb Business
- At eight years old, Jack Smith's first business was selling "itchy bombs" in the playground.
- These were itchy seeds he collected and sold for 25 cents each.
Early Freelance Work
- At 12, Jack Smith rejected his parents' allowance-for-chores deal, opting to find work online.
- He bid on projects he didn't know how to do, learning as he went, valuing freedom over immediate earnings.
Discovering Shyp
- While procrastinating on Hacker News, Jack Smith discovered Shyp, a nascent startup, on the second page.
- He offered to help with their pitch deck, which led to a co-founder position.