This is how Luke got a $100,000 investment to drop out of college and turned it into a $27 million startup. He breaks down how to identify and build your own vertical SaaS business too.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Luke’s journey: 🐦 X → x.com/lukesophinos 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/lukesophinos 🚀 Startup → coursekey.com📝 Newsletter → newsletter.lukesophinos.com 📔 Vertical SaaS Bible → verticalsaasbible.comFollow us: 🔔 Subscribe → youtube.com/@foundingjourney?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com 📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckIn this conversation we discuss:Founder Mode(00:00) — Intro (01:18) — Luke's first business(03:32) — Joining a VC firm in college(06:33) — Becoming a Thiel Fellow(11:26) — Dropping out of college & going all in(15:33) — Why traditional education is broken(18:04) — Why founders should target boring industries(19:53) — Building trust(21:04) — When to pivotVertical SaaS(22:46) — Differences between vertical & horizontal SaaS(23:53) — Why vertical SaaS has better opportunities going forward(26:53) — What makes for a venture-scale vertical SaaS product(32:38) — Why vertical SaaS is criticized for not being venture scale(34:30) — AI's impact on vertical software(37:37) — Why Luke is sharing the vertical SaaS playbook(39:00) — The vertical SaaS bible(39:53) — Where to start building vertical SaaS businesses(41:53) — Raising venture funding & debt financingRapid Fire(44:50) — Who is one investor you’d recommend?(45:08) — One thing you'd change about startups?(45:38) — Advice for first-time founders?(46:00) — Something you believe that most disagree with?

Aleksandr helped one person hire an engineer. A few years later, it's turned into a $16 million, largely bootstrapped business.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Aleksandr’s journey: 🐦 X → x.com/volodarik 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/volodarik 🚀 Startup → lemon.ioFollow us: 🔔 Subscribe → youtube.com/@callmehouck?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com 📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckIn this conversation we discuss:Founder Mode(00:00) — Intro(01:07) — Lemon.io founding story(04:15) — How Aleksandr knew Lemon.io was a big opportunity(06:15) — Lemon.io's differentiator(07:49) — Why founders miss opportunities right in front of them(42:00) — Aleksandr’s first 2 businessesRebranding & Growth(09:49) — Intentional rebranding efforts(14:42) — Tactically executing a rebrand(16:25) — Building in public in 2025(18:48) — 2025 social media plan(22:19) — Building in public's impact early on(23:58) — Using Quora as a growth channel(24:22) — 2025's growth channel opportunity(26:34) — Utilizing the podcast growth channel(31:06) — Going all in with early-stage advertisingHiring(34:31) — Making first sales hire(43:50) — The benefit of paid work trials(46:11) — What founders should evaluate when hiring(47:06) — How non-technical founders can evaluate technical talent(48:50) — Laying off employees while growingInvestment(35:54) — The wrong way to take on venture investment(39:38) — Buying out existing investors(40:07) — Why there’s no need to raise more for Lemon.ioRapid Fire(52:58) — Who is one investor you’d recommend?(53:58) — One thing you'd change about startups?(54:41) — Advice for first-time founders?(55:36) — Something you believe that most disagree with?

Pujun Bhatnagar dropped out of Stanford, Harved, and MIT to build startups. He decided to build in an unsexy industry and it worked. He doubled Kintsugi’s valuation to $75M in 3 months.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Pujun’s journey: 🐦 X → x.com/pujun_ai 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/pujun 🚀 Startup → trykintsugi.comFollow us: 🔔 Subscribe → youtube.com/@callmehouck?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com 📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckIn this conversation we discuss:Kintsugi(00:00) — Intro(00:57) — What Kintsugi does & why it's successful(14:22) — What Kintsugi meansFounder Mode(03:15) — Why Pujun did an "unsexy" business(09:40) — AM frequency vs. Pujun's FM frequency(12:29) — What happens to ambition when success comes(26:20) — Pujun's mindset shifts over time(32:20) — Pujun's toughest situation with co-founders(59:10) — Dropping out of academia 3x(1:07:20) — What Pujun does when not performing at his best(1:10:00) — Pujun's spicesAI & Technology(05:36) — What problems AI can solve(19:44) — Successfully building AI PLG(21:44) — The future of AI models(51:14) — Differences between the ML & LLM gold rush(54:46) — How to identify AI snake oilGrowth & Strategy(17:06) — Focusing on building good software(24:31) — Tradeoffs that come with scale(34:51) — Having conviction & discipline(36:11) — Who Pujun & Kintsugi looks for in teammates(38:09) — Doubling valuation in 3 months time(42:04) — Optimizing for minimal dilution(43:53) — Ruthless prioritization when scalingRapid Fire(1:12:09) — Who is one investor you’d recommend?(1:13:33) — One thing you'd change about startups?(1:16:22) — Advice for first-time founders?(1:16:55) — Something you believe that most disagree with?

This is how Tibo Louis-Lucas built a new startup every month... until one took off and turned into a $10 million exit.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → https://deck-database.carrd.coFollow Tibo's journey: 🐦 X → x.com/tibo_maker 🚀 Website → tmaker.ioFollow us: 🔔 Subscribe → youtube.com/@foundingjourney?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com 📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckIn this conversation we chat about:Founder Mode(00:00) — Intro(01:24) — Being a venture-backed founder(02:41) — Learnings from early business failures(24:00) — Identifying scalable business opportunities(33:20) — Goal of getting 5 companies to $100k MRR in 3 years(41:35) — How to unlock different versions of yourself(43:02) — Identifying opportunities while building multiple companiesGrowth & Scaling(05:14) — The advantage of quickly shipping(08:36) — Pros and cons of building in public(10:28) — Alternatives to building in public(11:24) — The moats that exist today(15:31) — Utilizing micro-influencers for growth(37:56) — Keeping 2-person companies at scale(39:18) — Working alongside a complementary co-founderProduct & Acquisition Strategy(12:55) — Platform risk(18:32) — How founders can learn to kill products(20:35) — Outsourcing to external developers(21:57) — Buying small products(25:26) — Deciding how much to invest into micro-acquisitions(27:47) — Buying & selling assets rather than companies(30:42) — Buying a tool to compete with the newsletter giants(36:46) — AI’s unique software enablement(44:08) — Deciding when and how to sell your company(48:10) — How to decide how and whom to sell your company toAdvice & Insights(49:04) — Founder Tips for Negotiating Deals(49:57) — Bootstrapping vs. raising VC(52:08) — The future of SaaS(55:58) — Taking a job after being a founder(58:21) — Founders don’t know when they need to quitRapid Fire(59:18) — Who is one investor you’d recommend?(59:46) — One thing you'd change about startups?(1:00:20) — Advice for first-time founders?(1:00:51) — Something you believe that most disagree with?

This is how Adam raised over $3 million for his hiring startup Pangea.app, and why he won’t need to raise again.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Adam's journey: 🐦 X → x.com/the_pangean 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/adamalp 🚀 Startup → pangea.appFollow us: 🔔 Subscribe → youtube.com/@foundingjourney?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com 📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com 💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckAccelerators & Fundraising00:00 — Intro01:10 — Incubators/accelerators05:56 — YC application experience1:03:11 — Fundraising isn't the goal1:07:02 — When you don’t get immediate fundingFounder Mode:09:42 — The founder mindset & validation38:19 — Tough decisions & losing customers43:22 — Knowing when to change course46:07 — When you're too niched down59:01 — What gave Adam conviction to go all in1:10:51 — Why founders should explore stoicismProduct Development14:55 — MVP Versus SVP20:53 — Getting to #1 on Product HuntCommunity & Growth22:14 — Product Hunt launch impact25:18 — Long-term growth strategies26:45 — Getting customers through ChatGPT30:17 — SEO & AI/LLMs34:49 — Growth channels & niching down49:27 — Why community is keyFounding & Leadership Insights50:48 — NYC Founders Club52:17 — Vision for the future55:46 — Focus areas when hiringRapid Fire1:12:29 — Who's an investor you'd recommend?1:13:40 — One thing you'd change about startups?1:14:22 — Advice for first-time founders?1:14:35 — Something you believe that most disagree with?

Discover how successful founders leveraged their networks to raise $450 million for their startups. They share insights on turning early investors into loyal customers and the power of community in fostering growth. Hear about innovative community-building strategies, like hosting engaging events and using celebrity partnerships. Learn about the 'big small big' product development framework that balances vision with actionable feedback. This lively discussion uncovers the essential role of authenticity and connection in the entrepreneurial journey.

This is how Adam raised $137 million for his startup, Pitch, but then turned it into a cashflowing business instead.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Adam's journey:🐦 X → x.com/adamrenklint💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/adam-renklint🚀 Startup → pitch.comFollow us:🔔 Subscribe → youtube.com/@foundingjourney📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckCompany Founding & Leadership Insights(00:45) — Starting Pitch with 8 Co-founders(16:06) — The Pitch founding story(04:26) — Product-led CEO: pros and cons(07:19) — Transitioning from CTO to CEO(31:39) — Keeping the team motivated during chaos(38:23) — Balancing mourning after layoffs with future focusCompany & Product Strategy(10:25) — Product usability as a differentiator(13:21) — Shipping quickly within a framework(20:21) — Changing the aspirations of Pitch(26:08) — Discussing aspirational change with investors(28:16) — Identifying early investorsPitching Best Practices(42:07) — Common pitch deck mistakes(46:36) — The pitch for well-designed decksRapid Fire(48:57) — Recommended investors?(49:30) — One change you’d make in startups?(49:56) — Advice for first-time founders?

This is how James raised $24 million and reached 20 million users for his startup, Command AI, with contrarian ideas.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow James's journey:🐦 X → x.com/dazzeloid💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/james-evans-7086b3126🚀 Startup → command.aiFollow us:🎥 YouTube → youtube.com/@foundingjourney📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckFounder Journey(01:00) — James’s founder origin story(04:04) — Command AI origin story(25:15) — Gaining conviction to build Command AIFounder Mindset(06:39) — Recognizing pivot opportunities(08:23) — The overrated nature of creating new categories(11:06) — The myth of necessitating truly new creationsGrowth Strategies(15:17) — Engaging in activities that probably don’t scale(22:37) — Can anyone become a founder?(41:53) — Prioritization strategies for foundersNetworking & Resources(29:18) — Effectively using the YC experience(33:07) — Using Loom as a fundraising cheat code(35:53) — Well-designed decks vs. substance(39:10) — James’ angel investing learnings(44:03) — Securing big logos earlyRapid Fire(47:25) — Recommended investors?(48:33) — Advice for first-time founders?(49:08) — Favorite SaaS tools?(50:03) — One change you’d make in startups?

This is how Zayd Ali sold his first company in high school and immediately started a new one in AI, called Valley, that has raised over $3 million already.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Zayd's journey:🐦 X → x.com/zaydsyedali💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/zayd-syed-ali-4201101a9🚀 Startup → joinvalley.coFollow us:🎥 YouTube → youtube.com/@foundingjourney📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckFounder's Journey(01:19) — Selling a company in high school(07:03) — The feeling after selling a company(09:09) — Community accelerator programs(21:30) — Bootstrapped vs. venture-backed startups(34:58) — Selling before building(52:34) — Risk of startup life in your 20sThe Art of Pivoting(14:51) — Executing a pivot(17:39) — Advice for reluctant founders(18:54) — Founder market fit & "why now"Investor Dynamics(23:11) — High-profile investors’ impact(24:52) — High energy in investor meetings(28:23) — Creating urgency for investors(38:03) — Investor response to customer LOIs(38:47) — Pre-read deck strategy(41:45) — Analyst to partner transition(44:01) — Anticipating investor pushbacks(45:10) — Avoiding introductions from investors who passed(47:30) — Challenges for AI startups(50:44) — Raising in a hot marketRapid Fire(54:56) — Who's an investor you'd recommend?(55:47) — One thing you'd change about startups?(56:44) — Advice for first-time founders?(57:38) — Something you believe that most disagree with?

This is how Dara sold his first startup to build an AI that can clone anyone online, and raised funding from Keith Rabois for it.📚 1,800 Pitch Decks (Free) → deck-database.carrd.coFollow Dara's journey:🐦 X → x.com/daraladje💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dara-ladjevardian🚀 Startup → delphi.aiFollow us:🎥 YouTube → youtube.com/@foundingjourney📝 Newsletter → join.foundingjourney.com📈 Founder Membership → upgrade.foundingjourney.com💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-houckFounder Journey(00:56) — Dara's grandfather(03:45) — Dara's first encounter with LLMs(06:04) — Launching Friday: Dara's first company(08:10) — The Friday acquisition journey(08:54) — Working at OpenStore post-acquisition(48:03) — Lessons from building FridayCo-founder Dynamics(09:38) — Choosing the right co-founder(12:01) — Transitioning from solo to co-founder(13:58) — Co-founders: bootstrapped vs. VC-backed companiesMarketing & Positioning(14:49) — Positioning Delphi(21:01) — Delphi's product roadmap(23:38) — PLG growth strategy(26:30) — Testing paid marketing channels(27:30) — Differentiating in the age of AI(33:35) — Dara's vision for building Delphi(37:27) — Attracting talent to your companyMentorship & Investment(18:38) — Pitching Delphi to Founders Fund(38:16) — The importance of mentorship(40:21) — Lessons from Keith Rabois(41:51) — Effects of high-profile investors(42:57) — Why Keith Rabois invested in Dara(43:55) — Securing well-respected angels(44:44) — Dara’s fundraising tips(47:00) — Recognizing the need for VC backingAdditional Insights(29:18) — Future role of creators(31:02) — Future role of founders(35:26) — Passion as a priority in startups(49:35) — Niche focus vs. broad targetingRapid Fire(51:54) — Who's an investor you'd recommend?(52:32) — One thing you'd change about startups?(53:14) — Advice for first-time founders?(53:53) — Something you believe that most disagree with?