

How I Lost $209,640 (and Found My Own PMF)
Apr 12, 2025
Dive into a compelling story of entrepreneurial failure and growth. Learn about the disastrous journey of a failed startup, with over $200K lost in the process. Discover ten critical lessons about execution risks and the importance of understanding data and sales. Hear how these missteps ultimately led to vital insights that shaped future ventures. This candid reflection reveals the ups and downs of navigating the complex world of business, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Personal Money Lost On Startup
- CJ Gustafson lost $209,640 of personal money trying to start Bubba Booking.
- This included wedding gifts, house fund savings, and paycheck deposits.
Marketplaces Are Two Businesses
- Marketplaces require growing two sides simultaneously: supply and demand.
- The challenge is execution risk, not technical risk like coding.
Own Your Data Control
- Avoid full dependency on external data sources for your product.
- If you don't own the data, you don't own the outcome or control.