The Bootstrapped Founder

Big news! Podscan.fm, my B2B SaaS that alerts you when your keywords or topics are mentioned in any podcast anywhere, has received bootstrapper-aligned funding from Calm Company Fund.

Booya!

I share why I, ever the solopreneur bootstrapper, said yes to venture money, what that enables, what risks I see, and just exactly how this kind of non-crazy funding works.

Calm Company SEAL: https://calmfund.com/shared-earnings-agreement
Calm Company 5-year learnings: https://calmfund.com/writing/five-years
Calm Company SAFE: https://calmfund.com/writing/shared-earnings-safe

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/funded/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/309-funded

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Mike Taylor (@hammer_mt) literally wrote the book on Prompt Engineering. He paints a vivid picture of a future where generative AI could make our traditional databases look like ancient relics, and the role of developers shifts dramatically. Instead of crafting code, they could be steering the helm of AI-generated software, potentially dealing with the whims of a virtual 'petulant child.' 

Our chat pushes us to ponder the changing value of code and the skills that will matter in the face of technology's relentless march forward. What does it mean that we are providing the training data for AI systems with every click and every word we type? Are we working for the machine? Is the machine working for us? 

What do authorship and ownership look like in this future? Tune in to learn from someone who has their finger on the digital pulse of an industry that changes every day.

00:00:00 The Future of AI and Coding
00:09:29 Ethical Engineering Certifications and Implications
00:17:44 Testing and Optimizing AI Models
00:27:32 Ethics and Future of AI Development
00:39:14 Future of AI and Writing Books
00:44:19 Approaching AI in Book Writing
00:56:18 Support and Subscribe for More Growth

Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hammer_mt
The Complete Prompt Engineering for AI Bootcamp (2024) on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/share/108qiI3@nx4J1RlPgttwJptgsZlaNemKN-wBYhGJmxVa4txcnDmUVgvwNTZKf4TTWimfnTdUvw==/

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/michael-taylor-prompt-engineering-for-fun-profit/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/308-michael-taylor-prompt-engineering-for-fun-profit

The video: https://youtu.be/QeMuUjGaSUw

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

I’m a pretty okay developer, but when it comes to marketing and sales, I really need help. And for the longest time, I’ve held myself back.

That ends today.

My current SaaS business, Podscan, is at a point where some very important decisions need to be made. I’ve got something quite big in the works, and I’ll be talking about this next week in much more detail, but it made me think about the long-term needs a business like mine has, how I can personally fulfill them, and where I have skill gaps that I will have to work on.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/addressing-my-weaknesses/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/307-addressing-my-weaknesses

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Johannes Radig (@joradig) runs a SaaS from the Canary Islands — the most recent stop on a globe-spanning digital nomad trip. Johannes and I chat about building a software business for agencies, how hard it is to find just the right prices, and what traditional marketing efforts can do for indie hackers.

We dive into Leadsie, the social media onboarding SaaS he co-founded, and how it is built as a calm and profitable business.

Also, we both grew up in the same city. And now we live on opposites sides of the world. Here's two indie hackers catching up:

Johannes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/joradig

00:00:00 The Voyage

00:10:34 Entrepreneurial Journey and Startup Shift

00:24:06 Pricing Strategy for Startup Growth

00:29:57 Entrepreneurial Risk Assessment and Platform Stacking

00:40:42 Building Relationships Through Job Needs

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/johannes-radig-traveling-the-world-and-raising-prices/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/306-johannes-radig-traveling-the-world-and-raising-prices

The video: https://youtu.be/QDk2rbr72sk

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

“If this tech keeps developing as fast as it does right now, will I ever be able to catch up?” is a question on my mind and the minds of many founders I’ve been talking to recently.

So, what about AI should we focus on? Where will this tech slow down, where will it speed up even more, and what should we focus on for our businesses?

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/ai-hype-the-straight-line-bias-and-the-fear-of-not-keeping-up/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/305-ai-hype-the-straight-line-bias-and-the-fear-of-not-keeping-up

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Tyler Tringas (@tylertringas) invests in bootstrapped businesses. Wait… Aren't those supposed to NOT take investment money? What's going on here?

Alignment is what's going on. Where traditional VC's often have very different goals from founders, funds like Tyler's Calm Company Fund focus on helping niche software businesses that don't chase hypergrowth. Instead, Tyler supports those who want to build calm and profitable ventures. You know, the regular kind of business. The one that focuses on making money.

In our chat, we dive into how bootstrapping and investment go together, how a fund manager makes investment decisions, why NoCode is a massive business accelerator and how the Calm Fund has adapted over its 5-year history.

Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tylertringas

00:00:00 Sustainable Businesses With Calm Company Fund
00:07:53 Rethinking Valuations and Company Building
00:18:04 Investment Strategy and Sustainability
00:25:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Fund Mentoring
00:29:31 Challenges of Saying No to Founders
00:34:36 Investor Alignment and Profit Sharing
00:44:51 Exploring AI and No-Code Tools
00:51:10 Navigating the Future of Calm Companies

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/tyler-tringas-investing-in-bootstrapped-saas/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/304-tyler-tringas-investing-in-bootstrapped-saas

The video: https://youtu.be/K-TZXmN2kJs

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Ever since I started building Podscan in public, I’ve received a lot of attention.

And it’s been spectacular: I’ve found early users, prospects, customers, and cheerleaders.

Apparently, when people see something get traction, they want to be a part of it. Besides the much welcome support on social media, this has also resulted in a few offers that go beyond monthly subscription revenue. Today, I want to share with you how I think about collaborating with people, taking investment, and growing the team.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/how-i-deal-with-investment-offers/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/303-how-i-deal-with-investment-offers

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Nick Groeneveld (@ToolboxOfDesign) understands that design isn't about gadgets, widgets, or buttons. For Nick, design is understanding the needs, desires, and expectations of those you aim to serve. We chat about talking to your customers, what common mistakes indie hackers make when thinking about "design", and just how much more UX means than web interfaces.

Nick is ALSO the guy behind my interview videos and thumbnails! He's the producer of The Bootstrapped Founder, really. We talk about how freelancing and working with a media partner works, how he juggles his financials, and what lifestyle he aims for.

Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToolboxOfDesign

00:00:00 Designing for the User Experience

00:09:34 Managing Feature Creep and Simplifying UX

00:16:15 User-Centric Design and Business Growth

00:25:48 Evolving UX Design Services

00:33:12 Limiting Clientele for Meaningful Work

00:36:51 Building a Lifestyle Work Balance

00:50:01 Supporting Bootswap Founder on Multiple Platforms

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/nick-groeneveld-speaking-the-language-of-your-customers/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/302-nick-groeneveld-speaking-the-language-of-your-customers

The video: https://youtu.be/mCH_qEHgK0Y

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Designing for the User Experience

Do you like revenue and expense numbers? I've been running my new SaaS podscan.fm for a month now. And today, I share all the facts and figures behind this first four weeks — the good, the undecided, and the bad.

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/301-podscan-one-month-in-mrr-expenses-marketing-tactics

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fm
Send me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

Marc Louvion (@marc_louvion) is the Maker of the Year 2023 and the visionary behind the innovative ShipFast. His product development philosophy emphasizes rapid shipping and focusing on feature-specific builds, which has transformed his approach to creating tech products. Utilizing platforms like ProductHunt for launches, Marc highlights the importance of pre-validation and community feedback in fine-tuning his products, illustrating his strategic and responsive methodology to product creation.

In our insightful conversation —that at some point turns into a founder brainstorming session— Marc delves into the emotional nuances of creators who navigate various expressive avenues, from entrepreneurship to writing, and then returning to coding. His journey with ShipFast showcases the blend of strategic foresight and serendipity crucial for digital market success, alongside the continuous process of innovation. The discussion dive into the intricacies of building a community around a product, the challenges of SaaS businesses, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance that incorporates personal interests, which in turn fosters a lifestyle that integrates personal well-being with technological advancement.

Marc on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marc_louvion

00:00:00 Building and Launching

00:07:54 Building Startups, Creating Magic, Finding Success

00:13:41 Building a Community Around a Product

00:26:08 Building a Software Community Platform

00:32:25 Balancing Work and Life as Founders

00:41:43 Sharing Hobbies and Life Reflections

This episode is sponsored by Acquire.com

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/marc-louvion-becoming-a-product-launch-beast/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/300-marc-louvion-becoming-a-product-launch-beast

The video: https://youtu.be/yFy1n1TPWNM

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.
- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx
- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid
- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid
- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60
- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ
- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q
- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

• (00:00) - Building and Launching