Episode 707 | Once.com, Open Source to FT Income, and More (Hot Take Tuesday)

18 snips

Apr 2, 2024

Tracy Osborn, a keen insight into SaaS trends, and Einar Vollset, a startup buyout expert, dive into the launch of Once.com and its controversial one-time sale model. They unpack the intricacies of liquidation preferences that can leave founders in a tough spot during acquisitions. The pair also discusses how open-source projects can transition into sustainable income sources. Additionally, they ponder whether building a startup is truly a hard endeavor compared to lifestyle businesses, highlighting essential strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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INSIGHT

One-Time Software Sales

Once.com offers one-time software purchases, unlike most SaaS.
This model works for small, tech-savvy teams wanting control, but not for larger teams needing support.

ANECDOTE

Downloadable Software Support Woes

Rob Walling shared his experience with selling downloadable software.
Supporting users with server configurations became a major headache, making SaaS more appealing.

ADVICE

Campfire Sales Figures

37signals sold 800 copies of Campfire in the first week, generating $250,000.
This amount is insignificant for a company like 37signals and suggests the launch wasn't highly successful.

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In episode 707, Rob Walling, alongside guests Tracy Osborn and Einar Vollset, give their hot takes on some recent news in the world of SaaS. They discuss Once.com’s launch, liquidation preference nuances in startup buyouts, with moving from open source to full time income and more.

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Topics we cover:

2:18 - Once.com and the Implications of One-Time Software Sales
10:39 - Liquidation Preferences in Startup Acquisitions
21:59 - Turning an open source project into a business
24:32 - Book recommendations
30:30 - Is building a startup actually hard?
32:46 - Startups vs. lifestyle businesses

Links from the Show:

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

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