The SaaS Podcast: Build, Launch & Scale Your SaaS

458: Read AI: The 8-Figure Playbook for Product-Led Growth - with David Shim

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David Shim sold his first startup for $200M, but when he started Read AI in 2021, he built something that failed spectacularly — 5% retention after 30 days. Instead of pivoting to chase revenue, he focused obsessively on fixing one metric: day-one ROI.

Today, Read AI generates 8-figures in ARR, adds a million accounts monthly, and spends virtually nothing on marketing. David discovered that in the age of AI, the companies that win aren't the ones with the biggest models — they're the ones that solve real problems instantly.

You'll learn:

  • How David validated his idea by calling Zoom's founder directly and getting instant clarity
  • Why focusing on day-one ROI instead of revenue led to 81% retention
  • How to build viral loops that drive 1M+ monthly signups without marketing spend
  • Why giving away your product for free can be your best growth strategy
  • How to compete when Microsoft, Google, and Zoom enter your market

    • Full show notes → saasclub.io/458


    This episode is brought to you by:

    💖 ⁠⁠Sprinto⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠Learn more and book a demo today

    🚀 SaaS Club Launch → Build your SaaS to $10K MRR


    Get weekly SaaS lessons and new founder stories → saasclub.io/email

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    The SaaS Podcast: Build, Launch & Scale Your SaaSBy Omer Khan
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