TechCrunch Startup News A decade in, bootstrapped Thinkst Canary reaches $20M in ARR without VC funding
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May 30, 2025 A decade in, a self-sustained cybersecurity company boasts $20M in annual recurring revenue without a dime of VC funding. The founders celebrate their flagship product, a digital tripwire that provides real-time hacking alerts. They share insights on prioritizing customer satisfaction and employing innovative growth strategies. The discussion reveals how independence from external investors has shaped their approach to business and innovation.
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Bootstrapped Growth to $20M ARR
- Thinkst grew to $20 million ARR with 40 employees without any external funding.
- Founder Harun Mir credits focus on product quality and customer needs, not rapid uncontrolled growth.
Canary as Early Hacker Alert
- Traditional cybersecurity products can take months to detect breaches.
- Thinkst's Canary acts as a digital tripwire to catch hackers actively infiltrating networks almost immediately.
Focus on Honest Product and Growth
- Focus on delivering a product that does exactly what it promises to customers.
- Grow organically with customers who remain long-term instead of pursuing reckless rapid expansion.