First Things THRST E097 - The New Way to Make Your First $100,000 Online (Whop)
Jun 26, 2025
Cameron Zoub and Steven Zhang, co-founders of Whop, share their insights on building a thriving digital marketplace. They delve into the early days of creating software for sneaker reselling and Twitch streamers, emphasizing adaptability and key lessons learned. The duo discusses their month-to-month growth without relying on ads and the central role of product development. They also reflect on the pitfalls of chasing trends like NFTs, highlighting the importance of focus in entrepreneurship and the emotional dynamics of co-founding a startup.
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Early Sneaker Bot Success
- Cameron and Steven met at age 13 bonding over sneaker reselling and software bots to buy limited sneakers automatically.
- They built and scaled sneaker bot software, selling it to make thousands, forming their early internet business foundation.
Be Scrappy With Startup Costs
- Startup costs can be low if you use scrappy, resourceful methods without spending much money.
- Use existing tools like Discord or platforms instead of building costly custom apps when possible.
From Software To Community Sales
- Selling software evolved into selling access to Discord communities and digital memberships.
- Lowering barriers to entry by offering easy-to-join platforms drives broader entrepreneur adoption.