00:00

His company, which is called tiny, which buys businesses,

His company, which is called tiny, which buys businesses,

00:03

it's going public.

it's going public.

00:04

And Andrew owns roughly seventy one percent of the shares, and it's going public a nearly billion dollar valuation,

And Andrew owns roughly seventy one percent of the shares, and it's going public a nearly billion dollar valuation,

00:11

who knows what it's gonna actually trade at? But if it trades at what they want it to trade at, that's about seven hundred to eight hundred million dollars that Andrew will have from all starting with a bootstrap agency. And I wanna walk through his journey. And I think this is amazing. It's pretty mind blowing.

who knows what it's gonna actually trade at? But if it trades at what they want it to trade at, that's about seven hundred to eight hundred million dollars that Andrew will have from all starting with a bootstrap agency. And I wanna walk through his journey. And I think this is amazing. It's pretty mind blowing.

00:35

Alright. Let's do it. I'm,

Alright. Let's do it. I'm,

00:37

Fancy shirt. Fancy shirt.

Fancy shirt. Fancy shirt.

00:39

All I gotta say is fancy shirt. I've I now do this thing where if somebody does anything that's, like, I feel like they left the house today feeling good about that or the, you know, they got a haircut.

All I gotta say is fancy shirt. I've I now do this thing where if somebody does anything that's, like, I feel like they left the house today feeling good about that or the, you know, they got a haircut.

00:50

I'm not subtle about it. I'll just I act like

I'm not subtle about it. I'll just I act like

00:53

like, a dog barking. I'm just, like, nice haircut. You gotta you you changed your face.

like, a dog barking. I'm just, like, nice haircut. You gotta you you changed your face.

00:58

The thing that the audience is gonna call me out, Don, is I I couldn't find my other glasses, so I have to wear these glasses. The problem with them is that asshole, Jeffrey Dommar,

The thing that the audience is gonna call me out, Don, is I I couldn't find my other glasses, so I have to wear these glasses. The problem with them is that asshole, Jeffrey Dommar,

01:09

decided to wear the same ones. Yeah. So it looks like I'm gonna ask you, like, do you wanna come back to the apartment to take some baseball pictures and have some beers? Like,

decided to wear the same ones. Yeah. So it looks like I'm gonna ask you, like, do you wanna come back to the apartment to take some baseball pictures and have some beers? Like,

01:19

don't be real nice. Like, that he ruined it for me. Some people are into that. I have a meaty one, another publicly traded company. This is a big deal. And it kinda has not been made a big deal in the media because

don't be real nice. Like, that he ruined it for me. Some people are into that. I have a meaty one, another publicly traded company. This is a big deal. And it kinda has not been made a big deal in the media because

01:31

it's, I guess, not that big a deal to them. It's a billion dollar company. But basically, our friend, Andrew Wilkinson,

it's, I guess, not that big a deal to them. It's a billion dollar company. But basically, our friend, Andrew Wilkinson,

01:37

friend of the pod, friend of ours, we're gonna be with him in Vancouver on February sixteenth. So if you wanna come see us, live,

friend of the pod, friend of ours, we're gonna be with him in Vancouver on February sixteenth. So if you wanna come see us, live,

01:44

he basically

he basically

01:46

and by the way, I gotta preface this now that he's a publicly traded company. Everything that I'm gonna say, I just googled it. This is all just from Google. I didn't ask him anything. And a lot of guesses, but not all of it. He basically had a company that was publicly traded called We, we commerce, and it was not doing great it, like, peaked at, like, five hundred million, went down to eighty million. Anyway, he's doing a reverse takeover. No. Sorry. He's doing a merge. And he's his company, which is called tiny, which buys businesses,

and by the way, I gotta preface this now that he's a publicly traded company. Everything that I'm gonna say, I just googled it. This is all just from Google. I didn't ask him anything. And a lot of guesses, but not all of it. He basically had a company that was publicly traded called We, we commerce, and it was not doing great it, like, peaked at, like, five hundred million, went down to eighty million. Anyway, he's doing a reverse takeover. No. Sorry. He's doing a merge. And he's his company, which is called tiny, which buys businesses,

02:12

it's going public.

it's going public.

02:14

And Andrew owns roughly seventy one percent of the shares, and it's going public at a nearly billion dollar valuation.

And Andrew owns roughly seventy one percent of the shares, and it's going public at a nearly billion dollar valuation.

02:21

Knows what it's gonna actually trade at? But if it trades at what they want it to trade at, that's about seven hundred to eight hundred million dollars that Andrew will have from it all starting with a bootstrap agency, and I wanna walk through his journey. And I think this is amazing. It's pretty mind blowing.

Knows what it's gonna actually trade at? But if it trades at what they want it to trade at, that's about seven hundred to eight hundred million dollars that Andrew will have from it all starting with a bootstrap agency, and I wanna walk through his journey. And I think this is amazing. It's pretty mind blowing.

02:36

Okay. The by the way, the billion dollars, is this, one problem, by the way, is that all of his numbers were in Canadian dollars. There's all of CAD. Instead of USD. So is this a billion CAD or is this a billion USD? Everything I'm gonna say is Canadian. And I don't know what the conversion rate is of monopoly money to USD, but, like, it's It's somewhere close enough that we're still in the same ballpark. Yeah. So I think it's I think it's a little bit more, like, seven hundred million is the the the number that basically just discounted something twenty, thirty percent. Yeah. Andrew's in Cad is Canadian. Andrew's in Canada. If you ever really wanna inflate something, right, like,

Okay. The by the way, the billion dollars, is this, one problem, by the way, is that all of his numbers were in Canadian dollars. There's all of CAD. Instead of USD. So is this a billion CAD or is this a billion USD? Everything I'm gonna say is Canadian. And I don't know what the conversion rate is of monopoly money to USD, but, like, it's It's somewhere close enough that we're still in the same ballpark. Yeah. So I think it's I think it's a little bit more, like, seven hundred million is the the the number that basically just discounted something twenty, thirty percent. Yeah. Andrew's in Cad is Canadian. Andrew's in Canada. If you ever really wanna inflate something, right, like,

03:10

if you're five nine,

if you're five nine,

03:11

You're you're five eleven CAD. So just just go CAD and you'll, you know, get that extra get that little extra that you feel you've been missing your whole life.

You're you're five eleven CAD. So just just go CAD and you'll, you know, get that extra get that little extra that you feel you've been missing your whole life.

03:20

So, dude. This story, it's really impressive. Andrew comes in the pod, and we mess with him. But, like, this is we treat him like he's one of us. What he's pulled off is, like, not one of us, man. It's pretty epic. He's actually more, like, twenty of us if you add it all up.

So, dude. This story, it's really impressive. Andrew comes in the pod, and we mess with him. But, like, this is we treat him like he's one of us. What he's pulled off is, like, not one of us, man. It's pretty epic. He's actually more, like, twenty of us if you add it all up.

03:36

He's the brine scallop reading of rich guys.

He's the brine scallop reading of rich guys.

03:40

You know what I mean? Like, this is the scallag. He's the worst billionaire I know.

You know what I mean? Like, this is the scallag. He's the worst billionaire I know.

03:45

The best millionaire I know. Yeah.

The best millionaire I know. Yeah.

03:48

For sure. I mean, he's killing it. So listen to this. So, basically, the company that is taking public, it at this point has and this now this stuff is actually, public.

For sure. I mean, he's killing it. So listen to this. So, basically, the company that is taking public, it at this point has and this now this stuff is actually, public.

03:58

It's doing about a hundred fifty million in revenue, fifty million in EBITDA. And so here's the story. So two thousand six, Andrew, was, I think, nineteen. He started a web design agency called Metalab, and Metalab is, like, the core of all this. In year one, it had two hundred fifty thousand dollars in revenue. And, basically, what he's doing is he's doing, like, design stuff. So, one of his big famous clients was before Slack was, like, Stewart Butterfield,

It's doing about a hundred fifty million in revenue, fifty million in EBITDA. And so here's the story. So two thousand six, Andrew, was, I think, nineteen. He started a web design agency called Metalab, and Metalab is, like, the core of all this. In year one, it had two hundred fifty thousand dollars in revenue. And, basically, what he's doing is he's doing, like, design stuff. So, one of his big famous clients was before Slack was, like, Stewart Butterfield,

04:21

he, you know, reached out to Andrew and said, hey, help me design Slack. And, like, I don't know it's web interfacing, which, frankly, I don't even know entirely the the whole scope of that work, but, like, more than logos, but including logos, I believe. Right?

he, you know, reached out to Andrew and said, hey, help me design Slack. And, like, I don't know it's web interfacing, which, frankly, I don't even know entirely the the whole scope of that work, but, like, more than logos, but including logos, I believe. Right?

04:36

More than like us. That should be their tagline.

More than like us. That should be their tagline.

04:40

No. It would it would definitely We draw good.

No. It would it would definitely We draw good.

04:42

We draw we draw good plus more, logos and more.

We draw we draw good plus more, logos and more.

04:47

No. It was it was web interface. So it was actually fairly technical. But in year one, it did two hundred fifty thousand in revenue with a fifty percent profit margin

No. It was it was web interface. So it was actually fairly technical. But in year one, it did two hundred fifty thousand in revenue with a fifty percent profit margin

04:54

in year two, two thousand nineteen. So three three years in, It was doing about a couple hundred thousand in profit, and it doubled,

in year two, two thousand nineteen. So three three years in, It was doing about a couple hundred thousand in profit, and it doubled,

05:02

for a couple years and then grew by thirty percent a year. So two thousand twelve, your sixth year's in,

for a couple years and then grew by thirty percent a year. So two thousand twelve, your sixth year's in,

05:08

Only three million in revenue. Not like Right. Crazy out of this league. Like, you know, he's he's kinda like what people say about us is You're relatable. And whenever people say that, I was like,

Only three million in revenue. Not like Right. Crazy out of this league. Like, you know, he's he's kinda like what people say about us is You're relatable. And whenever people say that, I was like,

05:19

I don't wanna I don't wanna be relatable.

I don't wanna I don't wanna be relatable.

05:22

I wanna be way out of your list.

I wanna be way out of your list.

05:24

Yeah.

Yeah.

05:25

They say you're so you're so authentic. You're so relatable. I'm like What I like about you guys is you're not that successful.

They say you're so you're so authentic. You're so relatable. I'm like What I like about you guys is you're not that successful.

05:31

Yeah. And you're pretty dumb. So it just feels good.

Yeah. And you're pretty dumb. So it just feels good.

05:35

You guys did it so tonight. And so that that's exactly how I feel. So he he was relatable. So in the year six, three million in revenue, But after that, it grows thirty percent a year, which by which if you add up thirty percent annual growth, by two thousand twenty, you're at something like twenty million revenue by two thousand twenty three. You're like, the forty or fifty range.

You guys did it so tonight. And so that that's exactly how I feel. So he he was relatable. So in the year six, three million in revenue, But after that, it grows thirty percent a year, which by which if you add up thirty percent annual growth, by two thousand twenty, you're at something like twenty million revenue by two thousand twenty three. You're like, the forty or fifty range.

05:54

And the reason why Andrew's agency works so well is and I actually think this won't work doesn't work as much anymore is he's based out of Victoria,

And the reason why Andrew's agency works so well is and I actually think this won't work doesn't work as much anymore is he's based out of Victoria,

06:03

I don't even I'm such I'm so ignorant. I don't even know what state probably minnesota but a little higher. Yeah. Yeah.

I don't even I'm such I'm so ignorant. I don't even know what state probably minnesota but a little higher. Yeah. Yeah.

06:10

Yeah. He's in, like, yeah. He's in, like, the boise of Canada. Yeah. Upper idaho, I guess.

Yeah. He's in, like, yeah. He's in, like, the boise of Canada. Yeah. Upper idaho, I guess.

06:18

Our software is the worst. Have you heard of HubSpot?

Our software is the worst. Have you heard of HubSpot?

06:22

See most RMs are a cobbled together mess. But HubSpot is easy to adopt and actually looks gorgeous. I think I love our new CRM. Our software is the best. Hub

See most RMs are a cobbled together mess. But HubSpot is easy to adopt and actually looks gorgeous. I think I love our new CRM. Our software is the best. Hub

06:32

grow better.

grow better.

06:33

And so what that means is he's paying those wages, but he's charging Silicon Valley pre So British Columbia, Ben just corrected me. There you go. British Columbia, whatever that is. I don't know what Pete said is on the Monopoly board, but it's somewhere around there. And so he's charging Silicon Valley prices to, like, the slacks of the world, so these high end prices, but he's paying Canadian wages.

And so what that means is he's paying those wages, but he's charging Silicon Valley pre So British Columbia, Ben just corrected me. There you go. British Columbia, whatever that is. I don't know what Pete said is on the Monopoly board, but it's somewhere around there. And so he's charging Silicon Valley prices to, like, the slacks of the world, so these high end prices, but he's paying Canadian wages.

06:54

So that margin is fat. And so that's why he's able to take make all this,

So that margin is fat. And so that's why he's able to take make all this,

06:58

profit. And he starts taking his profit and he starts launching companies it doesn't work so well. He launches one little software company.

profit. And he starts taking his profit and he starts launching companies it doesn't work so well. He launches one little software company.

07:05

I forget what it was called flow, I think. It was basically like an asana competitor

I forget what it was called flow, I think. It was basically like an asana competitor

07:09

doesn't work out. He's like, I invested too much money. He goes,

doesn't work out. He's like, I invested too much money. He goes,

07:13

fuck this. What if I just buy a company? He reads a book on Warren Buffett, and he's like, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I could do this. And that's his new hero. He turns into a a buffet guy. He starts buying businesses, and he buys a couple that are doing okay, but then he buys one that becomes, like, the crown jewel of this whole business. This whole thing tiny, there's I think there's two crown jewels. There's Metalab, which we can guess is doing forty or fifty million in revenue, twenty million in profit. That's the cash flow engine of this whole thing of being able to buy these companies, then he buys,

fuck this. What if I just buy a company? He reads a book on Warren Buffett, and he's like, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I could do this. And that's his new hero. He turns into a a buffet guy. He starts buying businesses, and he buys a couple that are doing okay, but then he buys one that becomes, like, the crown jewel of this whole business. This whole thing tiny, there's I think there's two crown jewels. There's Metalab, which we can guess is doing forty or fifty million in revenue, twenty million in profit. That's the cash flow engine of this whole thing of being able to buy these companies, then he buys,

07:42

dribble, which is basically like GitHub for designers.

dribble, which is basically like GitHub for designers.

07:46

So designers go to this website,

So designers go to this website,

07:48

and they upload their portfolios. Other people can, share your portfolio. You send it to employers, they can comment, you get inspiration, whatever.

and they upload their portfolios. Other people can, share your portfolio. You send it to employers, they can comment, you get inspiration, whatever.

07:56

Now I don't have all the details on this, but I if I had to guess, Dribil was launched by two founders who weren't very business savvy and it had a lot of traffic, but they're like, we don't know how to, like, make money off this. And Andrew buys it from them. I imagine buy it a guess. I bet you he buys it for five to ten million dollars.

Now I don't have all the details on this, but I if I had to guess, Dribil was launched by two founders who weren't very business savvy and it had a lot of traffic, but they're like, we don't know how to, like, make money off this. And Andrew buys it from them. I imagine buy it a guess. I bet you he buys it for five to ten million dollars.

08:13

Turns this thing into a behemoth, making now it's making many tens of millions of dollars. If I had to guess it's worth

Turns this thing into a behemoth, making now it's making many tens of millions of dollars. If I had to guess it's worth

08:21

two hundred million dollars or higher. I'm this is just a pure guest.

two hundred million dollars or higher. I'm this is just a pure guest.

08:25

And that becomes a crown jewel of this company, tiny. And so now he's got these two agencies or, Metallab, and dribble. And then he's also has now what do they own? Like, fifteen other companies, and he's taking it public. And throughout this whole period, he's bootstrapping this things. So Metalab is the one that's paying for everything. He's hired as CEO to run Metalab. And because of that, he basically owns, like, ninety percent of Metalab, and now he owns What did I say? Seventy percent of these tiny shares. And then his other partner in the business, I was, like, ten percent. So him and Chris, his his partner, owned eighty percent of publicly traded company that's hoping to go public in the billion dollar range. This is just a crazy fascinating story. And, I can't believe he's pulled this off.

And that becomes a crown jewel of this company, tiny. And so now he's got these two agencies or, Metallab, and dribble. And then he's also has now what do they own? Like, fifteen other companies, and he's taking it public. And throughout this whole period, he's bootstrapping this things. So Metalab is the one that's paying for everything. He's hired as CEO to run Metalab. And because of that, he basically owns, like, ninety percent of Metalab, and now he owns What did I say? Seventy percent of these tiny shares. And then his other partner in the business, I was, like, ten percent. So him and Chris, his his partner, owned eighty percent of publicly traded company that's hoping to go public in the billion dollar range. This is just a crazy fascinating story. And, I can't believe he's pulled this off.

09:04

Yeah. I gotta be careful what I say because I invested in tiny recently when it was private.

Yeah. I gotta be careful what I say because I invested in tiny recently when it was private.

09:11

So I kind of know more of the numbers, but I don't know what's public versus what was private. Well, am I in the ballpark of everything?

So I kind of know more of the numbers, but I don't know what's public versus what was private. Well, am I in the ballpark of everything?

09:19

Yeah. I think you're in the ballpark.

Yeah. I think you're in the ballpark.

09:21

I think the maybe the dribble valuation may be a little bit high.

I think the maybe the dribble valuation may be a little bit high.

09:25

But you're right that those two things make up, like, you know,

But you're right that those two things make up, like, you know,

09:29

It's like because I guess here's my here's where this kind of broke for me, and this is maybe not that interesting. It's just my personal

It's like because I guess here's my here's where this kind of broke for me, and this is maybe not that interesting. It's just my personal

09:36

framework in a good way. In a good way. In a good way, which was,

framework in a good way. In a good way. In a good way, which was,

09:40

I thought he'd been around doing this for way longer. Is actually twenty six Thien when he started, like,

I thought he'd been around doing this for way longer. Is actually twenty six Thien when he started, like,

09:47

buying other companies. And,

buying other companies. And,

09:50

that's not that long ago. We we met him in I don't know. I met him in I wanna say twenty twenty. Yeah. That's about four years in, and and it was But I had known about him. He was, like, a personality. Yeah. Exactly. Because he always had he always had this, like, cool looking avatar. His pictures always He was, like, a designer. So his hair was always slicked back, and he had this, like, where we all looked like Dorks. He was, like, kinda good looking in his pictures and stuff like that. Yeah. It just shows what a good head of hair can do for you. And, you know, I think that's the real takeaway. Number one,

that's not that long ago. We we met him in I don't know. I met him in I wanna say twenty twenty. Yeah. That's about four years in, and and it was But I had known about him. He was, like, a personality. Yeah. Exactly. Because he always had he always had this, like, cool looking avatar. His pictures always He was, like, a designer. So his hair was always slicked back, and he had this, like, where we all looked like Dorks. He was, like, kinda good looking in his pictures and stuff like that. Yeah. It just shows what a good head of hair can do for you. And, you know, I think that's the real takeaway. Number one,

10:18

number two, number two, this segment is brought to you by him.

number two, number two, this segment is brought to you by him.

10:23

Number three.

Number three.

10:24

No. So so I think that that was the first thing which was wow. This was actually built up in a relatively

No. So so I think that that was the first thing which was wow. This was actually built up in a relatively

10:30

Like, on one hand, it's a long period of time because he'd been started Metalab a long time ago. So that part, you gotta give credit for the, oh, out. Two thousand six, and then he grinded it out year after year building service business up. But on the other hand, the portfolio side of things was relatively new. So I thought that was really interesting. The second thing

Like, on one hand, it's a long period of time because he'd been started Metalab a long time ago. So that part, you gotta give credit for the, oh, out. Two thousand six, and then he grinded it out year after year building service business up. But on the other hand, the portfolio side of things was relatively new. So I thought that was really interesting. The second thing

10:48

I assumed that the portfolio was a lot more a lot flatter, a lot more parody. So maybe, like,

I assumed that the portfolio was a lot more a lot flatter, a lot more parody. So maybe, like,

10:54

there were,

there were,

10:56

you know, five to ten companies, all of sort of equal value pitching in each one, like, you know, five to ten percent of the overall value of the pie. And that's how you get, like, you know, seventy percent or something like that in the rest of Metalap. And in fact, it was kind of like like a venture portfolio in a way where a couple of the companies were really the standout ones that were driving most the value. And I think for them, it was actually three. There was the the one they took they originally took public. So, e commerce, which is basically their Shopify apps roll up.

you know, five to ten companies, all of sort of equal value pitching in each one, like, you know, five to ten percent of the overall value of the pie. And that's how you get, like, you know, seventy percent or something like that in the rest of Metalap. And in fact, it was kind of like like a venture portfolio in a way where a couple of the companies were really the standout ones that were driving most the value. And I think for them, it was actually three. There was the the one they took they originally took public. So, e commerce, which is basically their Shopify apps roll up.

11:23

So the Shopify app roll up, I think, was was one winner, dribble is another winner, and Meta Labs is another winner. And to me,

So the Shopify app roll up, I think, was was one winner, dribble is another winner, and Meta Labs is another winner. And to me,

11:30

Everything else is nice, but now that those are such big winners that they make up so much revenue and so much EBITDA that the others are almost like rounding errors at the moment.

Everything else is nice, but now that those are such big winners that they make up so much revenue and so much EBITDA that the others are almost like rounding errors at the moment.

11:39

That's a little bit harsh, I would say, but, like, you know, so maybe that's maybe that's a little too harsh, but

That's a little bit harsh, I would say, but, like, you know, so maybe that's maybe that's a little too harsh, but

11:45

just comparatively,

just comparatively,

11:46

it wasn't like this portfolio of a dozen equally sized companies.

it wasn't like this portfolio of a dozen equally sized companies.

11:50

Which maybe was well, I never should have assumed that in the first place. But when you hear somebody's doing a portfolio, you sort of think Okay. It's gonna be sort of more smoothly distributed out. But but it was actually a little bit more concentrated in a few key key winners that just really kept compounding at a high rate. And, so yeah. So I think that's that's amazing. I think what he's done is amazing.

Which maybe was well, I never should have assumed that in the first place. But when you hear somebody's doing a portfolio, you sort of think Okay. It's gonna be sort of more smoothly distributed out. But but it was actually a little bit more concentrated in a few key key winners that just really kept compounding at a high rate. And, so yeah. So I think that's that's amazing. I think what he's done is amazing.

12:11

Like,

Like,

12:13

to build this level of a of a sort of empire in this short of amount of time is,

to build this level of a of a sort of empire in this short of amount of time is,

12:18

is pretty awesome. And I the the biggest thing is I love that he did his way. Like, there really wasn't

is pretty awesome. And I the the biggest thing is I love that he did his way. Like, there really wasn't

12:24

anybody doing

anybody doing

12:26

exactly what he was doing.

exactly what he was doing.

12:28

Of course, there's private equity. Right? He wasn't doing it like private equity because he wasn't looking to flip. He's looking to buy and hold. So then you have sort of okay. Okay. Who's doing permanent equity? Who's doing a buy and hold strategy?

Of course, there's private equity. Right? He wasn't doing it like private equity because he wasn't looking to flip. He's looking to buy and hold. So then you have sort of okay. Okay. Who's doing permanent equity? Who's doing a buy and hold strategy?

12:38

Okay. There's some people doing it, but they all raised money. He used his own company's profits

Okay. There's some people doing it, but they all raised money. He used his own company's profits

12:43

to do it. So that's pretty dope. And then he branded it was more public about it versus these kind of more under the radar. It's like, oh, you you're part of like Maple Oak Capital. What is that? You know, I go to your website. It's got two lines. It just says, we acquire software companies. And it's like, okay. I I don't know what this means. Whereas he built kind of like a sexy brand out of it. So I think there was a bunch of things he did that were pretty cool. Like, even his term sheet. He's like, oh, I read that Warren Buffett. Basically,

to do it. So that's pretty dope. And then he branded it was more public about it versus these kind of more under the radar. It's like, oh, you you're part of like Maple Oak Capital. What is that? You know, I go to your website. It's got two lines. It just says, we acquire software companies. And it's like, okay. I I don't know what this means. Whereas he built kind of like a sexy brand out of it. So I think there was a bunch of things he did that were pretty cool. Like, even his term sheet. He's like, oh, I read that Warren Buffett. Basically,

13:10

you know, we'll meet a company, understand it, and then write a one sheet, a one page, you know, like, term sheet for them to just are they gonna take this deal or not? He doesn't do this, like, complicated lawyer process. If he can buy a billion dollar company with with a one or two pager, then I should be able to buy

you know, we'll meet a company, understand it, and then write a one sheet, a one page, you know, like, term sheet for them to just are they gonna take this deal or not? He doesn't do this, like, complicated lawyer process. If he can buy a billion dollar company with with a one or two pager, then I should be able to buy

13:25

this three million dollar company with a one pager. And so he took, you know, he took that approach. I think did a good job branding what he was doing along the way.

this three million dollar company with a one pager. And so he took, you know, he took that approach. I think did a good job branding what he was doing along the way.

13:33

Yeah. And so here's a few more takeaways, and then I wanna hear yours, if you have any extra ones. The first is that you said that he did this quickly,

Yeah. And so here's a few more takeaways, and then I wanna hear yours, if you have any extra ones. The first is that you said that he did this quickly,

13:40

Yeah. Kinda. But he also did it really slowly. I mean The acquisitions part only. Yeah. The acquisition part, but he basically started in two thousand six and then he didn't really hit his stride until two thousand sixteen. So that's ten years of having an agency. Now he didn't run the agency the whole time. He ran up for a little while, and then he also hired people in I'm I'm sure he was managing it to some extent, but slow is good in some cases. And the second thing is that he didn't raise money for an agency. And because of that, he had so much freedom. The second you raise money, that that your cap table is one of the few things that you can't reverse, or or it's really hard. And he didn't raise money for a company that

Yeah. Kinda. But he also did it really slowly. I mean The acquisitions part only. Yeah. The acquisition part, but he basically started in two thousand six and then he didn't really hit his stride until two thousand sixteen. So that's ten years of having an agency. Now he didn't run the agency the whole time. He ran up for a little while, and then he also hired people in I'm I'm sure he was managing it to some extent, but slow is good in some cases. And the second thing is that he didn't raise money for an agency. And because of that, he had so much freedom. The second you raise money, that that your cap table is one of the few things that you can't reverse, or or it's really hard. And he didn't raise money for a company that

14:17

Metalab should not have raised money, and it did not raise money. And because of that, he was able to use the profits to invest in shit versus if you raise money, they're like, no. Don't use those profits to do other things. Re invest them and make this thing bigger.

Metalab should not have raised money, and it did not raise money. And because of that, he was able to use the profits to invest in shit versus if you raise money, they're like, no. Don't use those profits to do other things. Re invest them and make this thing bigger.

14:31

The next thing is financial maneuvering.

The next thing is financial maneuvering.

14:34

Like, you know, I joke that I, like, don't know anything about finances.

Like, you know, I joke that I, like, don't know anything about finances.

14:39

It's kind of,

It's kind of,

14:40

like, his, like, thing. I think I think he's built that skill up over time. Right? Didn't didn't know it initially, but But, yeah, has he can create a lot of value. A lot of people do this now. They can create a lot of value by increasing their financial IQ.

like, his, like, thing. I think I think he's built that skill up over time. Right? Didn't didn't know it initially, but But, yeah, has he can create a lot of value. A lot of people do this now. They can create a lot of value by increasing their financial IQ.

14:53

Like,

Like,

14:55

taking e commerce public via spec in twenty twenty when the timing was perfect.

taking e commerce public via spec in twenty twenty when the timing was perfect.

15:00

Required

Required

15:01

some combination of being prepared with a good business, Secondly,

some combination of being prepared with a good business, Secondly,

15:05

you know, identifying the timing and saying now is the time go aggressively and third is like just having the financial IQ

you know, identifying the timing and saying now is the time go aggressively and third is like just having the financial IQ

15:12

to go with the balls, to be able to actually go pull something like that off. One hundred percent. The next thing is where you live, it can actually matter a lot. Now I think that this gap of Silicon Valley wages and Victoria Canada wages might be closed a little bit. It's closer at least than it was before. That gap is smaller. But this still exists in other places. I know I have friends that have built pretty big businesses are building them right now and they're using Indian talent versus American talent, and they're getting great products. What you need to do with this podcast. Guilty.

to go with the balls, to be able to actually go pull something like that off. One hundred percent. The next thing is where you live, it can actually matter a lot. Now I think that this gap of Silicon Valley wages and Victoria Canada wages might be closed a little bit. It's closer at least than it was before. That gap is smaller. But this still exists in other places. I know I have friends that have built pretty big businesses are building them right now and they're using Indian talent versus American talent, and they're getting great products. What you need to do with this podcast. Guilty.

15:41

And then the final thing is

And then the final thing is

15:48

hiring and negotiating,

hiring and negotiating,

15:49

the way he negotiated with his CEOs and kept them happy while also retaining equity. So I don't know, like, how he pays people. Like, I I imagine he pays them with just tons of cash.

the way he negotiated with his CEOs and kept them happy while also retaining equity. So I don't know, like, how he pays people. Like, I I imagine he pays them with just tons of cash.

16:00

So that's like, you're like, well, that's easy. You just pay overpay people. But Anyway, it's still, like, really impressive how he's able to negotiate and hire and manage people. I've heard from a bunch of his CEOs where they're, like, When things are going fine, I don't ever hear from him. And I love that. And then, of course, I imagine there's times when things aren't going fine, he's like, alright, dude. Come on. We gotta we gotta, like, push this a little harder. But he's done a really good job of hiring. And, anyway, this whole thing that he's pulled off,

So that's like, you're like, well, that's easy. You just pay overpay people. But Anyway, it's still, like, really impressive how he's able to negotiate and hire and manage people. I've heard from a bunch of his CEOs where they're, like, When things are going fine, I don't ever hear from him. And I love that. And then, of course, I imagine there's times when things aren't going fine, he's like, alright, dude. Come on. We gotta we gotta, like, push this a little harder. But he's done a really good job of hiring. And, anyway, this whole thing that he's pulled off,

16:26

I messaged him. And I was like, That sounds like an insult. Yeah. We gotta clap. We'll we'll clap for him. I was like, dude, this sounds like an this sounds like an insult But do you ever just sit with, like, a shit eating grin and just laugh at, like, a little evil laugh and be like, got him. I pulled off this caper because that's kinda what it feels like because

I messaged him. And I was like, That sounds like an insult. Yeah. We gotta clap. We'll we'll clap for him. I was like, dude, this sounds like an this sounds like an insult But do you ever just sit with, like, a shit eating grin and just laugh at, like, a little evil laugh and be like, got him. I pulled off this caper because that's kinda what it feels like because

16:45

He makes it look easy. And of course, it's never easy. There's, like, there's times where he'll message me. He's, like, dude, I feel, like, I'm in the dumps or I feel overwhelmed. He's human. But he's done a really good job of doing it his way almost to the point where I'm like, dude, you gotta be smirking right now. Like, it's that feeling like when you get and you think of all your ex girlfriends who, like, made fun of you, it's like, you you you would fuck

He makes it look easy. And of course, it's never easy. There's, like, there's times where he'll message me. He's, like, dude, I feel, like, I'm in the dumps or I feel overwhelmed. He's human. But he's done a really good job of doing it his way almost to the point where I'm like, dude, you gotta be smirking right now. Like, it's that feeling like when you get and you think of all your ex girlfriends who, like, made fun of you, it's like, you you you would fuck

17:07

it. Yeah. Oh, Neil. That thing. Yeah. You know that thing. No. No. No. I got you, bro. Don't don't worry. You know, like, you know, like, that shell, you know, that that that shelf you have with, like, the names of all your enemies marked on, like, champagne bottles. You know, like, when you pop cork off, whatever you like. Take a lock of their hair and you just set it in a fire with the lighters. Yeah. What are you talking about? But

it. Yeah. Oh, Neil. That thing. Yeah. You know that thing. No. No. No. I got you, bro. Don't don't worry. You know, like, you know, like, that shell, you know, that that that shelf you have with, like, the names of all your enemies marked on, like, champagne bottles. You know, like, when you pop cork off, whatever you like. Take a lock of their hair and you just set it in a fire with the lighters. Yeah. What are you talking about? But

17:29

He's pulled it off. He's Let me let me let me also say another thing.

He's pulled it off. He's Let me let me let me also say another thing.

17:34

You know that,

You know that,

17:35

there are people that are masters of engineering you know, people that are,

there are people that are masters of engineering you know, people that are,

17:39

you know, fantastic leaders.

you know, fantastic leaders.

17:42

But you know I'm the dawn of storytelling.

But you know I'm the dawn of storytelling.

17:44

And Andrew is

And Andrew is

17:46

a great storyteller. So people should go read his dribble two point o blog post. It's on medium. So, just Google, dribble two point o, Andrew Wilkinson.

a great storyteller. So people should go read his dribble two point o blog post. It's on medium. So, just Google, dribble two point o, Andrew Wilkinson.

17:55

And

And

17:55

Here okay. Sam, how do most people announce an acquisition?

Here okay. Sam, how do most people announce an acquisition?

18:00

Go. Just just, give me your generic thing. Yeah. There it's like, we are so brat we are so press release. We're so pleased. They built a really nice business, and we're happy to be stewards of this business, and we're really looking forward to the future. And then, like, the sellers, like, you know, we were looking for a nice home for -- Perfect partner. -- and this is a perfect partner, and we're excited for the future.

Go. Just just, give me your generic thing. Yeah. There it's like, we are so brat we are so press release. We're so pleased. They built a really nice business, and we're happy to be stewards of this business, and we're really looking forward to the future. And then, like, the sellers, like, you know, we were looking for a nice home for -- Perfect partner. -- and this is a perfect partner, and we're excited for the future.

18:21

Just nonsense.

Just nonsense.

18:22

Non absolute

Non absolute

18:24

absolute soulless drivel. So here's here's what he he didn't said. So here's I'm just gonna read a little snippet of this because I think

absolute soulless drivel. So here's here's what he he didn't said. So here's I'm just gonna read a little snippet of this because I think

18:31

people should pick up on the storytelling too. I think that helps. So he goes, when I first started Metalab,

people should pick up on the storytelling too. I think that helps. So he goes, when I first started Metalab,

18:36

Dan Cederholm was my hero.

Dan Cederholm was my hero.

18:38

A a great opening line. A great because I don't know who this guy is. And now I'm like, why is this person your hero? He goes,

A a great opening line. A great because I don't know who this guy is. And now I'm like, why is this person your hero? He goes,

18:44

this bulletproof web was the first book I read. I used to reverse engineer his style sheets on simple bits to learn his c sestrix. Anything he did, I did. And I drove my front end developers nuts trying to get them to implement every little one pixel detail that I learned from Dan. So already, you're like, okay. This is interesting. He's basically setting the context of, like, That's the guy who started dribble. And he's like,

this bulletproof web was the first book I read. I used to reverse engineer his style sheets on simple bits to learn his c sestrix. Anything he did, I did. And I drove my front end developers nuts trying to get them to implement every little one pixel detail that I learned from Dan. So already, you're like, okay. This is interesting. He's basically setting the context of, like, That's the guy who started dribble. And he's like,

19:06

it's not just I bought dribble.

it's not just I bought dribble.

19:08

And I'm pleased to to, you know, raise prices in six months. He's like, you know, I,

And I'm pleased to to, you know, raise prices in six months. He's like, you know, I,

19:13

I've admired this guy. This guy's my hero. I learned from him.

I've admired this guy. This guy's my hero. I learned from him.

19:16

And so when he, so so let me, keep going. So he goes, I reme I remember meeting another favorite designer. Dave Dave Shay had a conference back in two thousand eight. He mentioned that he knew Dan on my floor my jaw hit the floor. Wait. What? Those CSS drop shadows, the cork logo. He's the best. What's he like? I was gushing.

And so when he, so so let me, keep going. So he goes, I reme I remember meeting another favorite designer. Dave Dave Shay had a conference back in two thousand eight. He mentioned that he knew Dan on my floor my jaw hit the floor. Wait. What? Those CSS drop shadows, the cork logo. He's the best. What's he like? I was gushing.

19:34

Blah, blah, blah,

Blah, blah, blah,

19:36

I wasn't just a fanboy. I was his web standards fanboy.

I wasn't just a fanboy. I was his web standards fanboy.

19:39

Blah, blah, blah, then he keeps going. He goes,

Blah, blah, blah, then he keeps going. He goes,

19:42

one of the projects that Dan did was dribble, which he co founded with whoever,

one of the projects that Dan did was dribble, which he co founded with whoever,

19:46

I had used it blah, blah, blah, which is why I'm excited. I'm excited to share the big news. Right? So just that little paragraph

I had used it blah, blah, blah, which is why I'm excited. I'm excited to share the big news. Right? So just that little paragraph

19:53

of setup,

of setup,

19:55

It draws you in in a way that, like, he could have just done a standard boring

It draws you in in a way that, like, he could have just done a standard boring

20:00

eye roll press release. And instead, he decided to do it this way. And then he he talks about kinda, like, that it wasn't just like,

eye roll press release. And instead, he decided to do it this way. And then he he talks about kinda, like, that it wasn't just like,

20:06

therefore we've acquired it and it's done. He's like, I was bugging him and bugging him. I kept emailing him every month, asking them if they would let me in. He's like this September, my Moxie finally paid off. He emailed me think saying they would think to do that they might do it. They cared about these three things. I wouldn't mess it up. I have a long term view, and I want them to stay involved and own a piece of the business. We shook hands and made a deal.

therefore we've acquired it and it's done. He's like, I was bugging him and bugging him. I kept emailing him every month, asking them if they would let me in. He's like this September, my Moxie finally paid off. He emailed me think saying they would think to do that they might do it. They cared about these three things. I wouldn't mess it up. I have a long term view, and I want them to stay involved and own a piece of the business. We shook hands and made a deal.

20:27

Blah, blah, blah. And then he tells the rest of the the, you know, then he then he does the standard about we're excited. It's gonna be great. And,

Blah, blah, blah. And then he tells the rest of the the, you know, then he then he does the standard about we're excited. It's gonna be great. And,

20:33

I just thought that was just a way better way of doing it than the average person would do it. And if you add up

I just thought that was just a way better way of doing it than the average person would do it. And if you add up

20:38

A lot of doing things better than the average person would do it, you end up with this type of exceptional outcome.

A lot of doing things better than the average person would do it, you end up with this type of exceptional outcome.

20:44

It it's just great, man. I I have a lot of respect from him. There there's always, like, this little bit of envy in me, when I talked to Andrew because he's my friend and,

It it's just great, man. I I have a lot of respect from him. There there's always, like, this little bit of envy in me, when I talked to Andrew because he's my friend and,

20:54

I consider as peers.

I consider as peers.

20:56

And but I then then he'll make jokes about, like, what he's doing on the weekend and then, like, oh, that's sick.

And but I then then he'll make jokes about, like, what he's doing on the weekend and then, like, oh, that's sick.

21:02

And,

And,

21:03

and then

and then

21:05

But

But

21:06

I'm proud of him. I feel like I feel a lot I feel a lot of pride, like, on his full kind of for him. And, I'm very happy that he's pulled this off. And I think really impressive. And I think that it's badass that people are that there are people that are bold enough to do things

I'm proud of him. I feel like I feel a lot I feel a lot of pride, like, on his full kind of for him. And, I'm very happy that he's pulled this off. And I think really impressive. And I think that it's badass that people are that there are people that are bold enough to do things

21:22

their way regardless

their way regardless

21:24

of what the nerds invest in from Stanford tell you the way you should do it. And I imagine that along the way, he got a lot of flack making fun of him

of what the nerds invest in from Stanford tell you the way you should do it. And I imagine that along the way, he got a lot of flack making fun of him

21:34

from being in Canada,

from being in Canada,

21:37

for not raising money for

for not raising money for

21:40

buying these little quote little things, and I guess that's the fucking name of the company tiny. But he just, like, pulled it off, and I appreciate that gumption, and I appreciate that boldness. And I find it inspiring, and I'm happy that, like, we have them in our life. So that's a little my little love note. To Andrew. Good job. Love letter to Andrew wilkinson.

buying these little quote little things, and I guess that's the fucking name of the company tiny. But he just, like, pulled it off, and I appreciate that gumption, and I appreciate that boldness. And I find it inspiring, and I'm happy that, like, we have them in our life. So that's a little my little love note. To Andrew. Good job. Love letter to Andrew wilkinson.

22:01

Yeah.

Yeah.

22:02

Yeah.

Yeah.

22:03

And if you wanna if we're going to Canada, gonna be there February sixteenth. And, Andrea, if you're listening this, you wanna fly us up there, private.

And if you wanna if we're going to Canada, gonna be there February sixteenth. And, Andrea, if you're listening this, you wanna fly us up there, private.

22:11

That's cool. If you wanna celebrate We know how much money you have now. So

That's cool. If you wanna celebrate We know how much money you have now. So

22:18

Look, let's celebrate by pitching. One friend

Look, let's celebrate by pitching. One friend

22:21

invite another over.

invite another over.

22:22

Yeah. Yeah. Let's celebrate by flying private together except

Yeah. Yeah. Let's celebrate by flying private together except

22:26

will be, like, you don't have to be there.

will be, like, you don't have to be there.

22:30

And Sean and I will each be in different planes.

And Sean and I will each be in different planes.

22:33

So Do we have an allowance? Can he just send us a card with just an allowance? That would be tough. Anyway, that's my breakdown of tiny. He deserved it.

So Do we have an allowance? Can he just send us a card with just an allowance? That would be tough. Anyway, that's my breakdown of tiny. He deserved it.

22:43

Dude, I got roasted so badly

Dude, I got roasted so badly

22:45

by my daughter,

by my daughter,

22:47

last night. I was like, oh, man, this is Your four year old daughter roasted you so badly. Three three years old. We play so so she she can't play many games. We play,

last night. I was like, oh, man, this is Your four year old daughter roasted you so badly. Three three years old. We play so so she she can't play many games. We play,

22:56

rock paper scissor, but she always throws scissors. So that's, like, you know, fun for for her, not for me.

rock paper scissor, but she always throws scissors. So that's, like, you know, fun for for her, not for me.

23:03

She plays hide and seek always hides in the same spot. There's, like, kids do this. They just, like, play the game, but they don't know how to play. And then she so the so I taught her I spy. I was like, oh, here's the game. We could play in the car,

She plays hide and seek always hides in the same spot. There's, like, kids do this. They just, like, play the game, but they don't know how to play. And then she so the so I taught her I spy. I was like, oh, here's the game. We could play in the car,

23:13

I spy. And so she loves I spy. So she's I'm like, I spy something green. She's like, is it the tree? I'm like, how'd you get it? It's always the tree. That's right. And she goes, I spy something yellow. And I'm like, look at around the house. I'm like, was it yellow? I don't see anything yellow. She goes, your teeth.

I spy. And so she loves I spy. So she's I'm like, I spy something green. She's like, is it the tree? I'm like, how'd you get it? It's always the tree. That's right. And she goes, I spy something yellow. And I'm like, look at around the house. I'm like, was it yellow? I don't see anything yellow. She goes, your teeth.

23:30

And she's she's not aware that that the sickest bird that anybody's good. Like Does anybody?

And she's she's not aware that that the sickest bird that anybody's good. Like Does anybody?

23:36

Hey. I spy an asshole. Yeah. Exactly. I was like, wow. That is just, like, natural. That's a natural burn. Oh, that that's good.

Hey. I spy an asshole. Yeah. Exactly. I was like, wow. That is just, like, natural. That's a natural burn. Oh, that that's good.

23:44

Can I tell you about something cool that you probably know about? And I saw it, and I can't stop thinking about it. You heard of the scallenge?

Can I tell you about something cool that you probably know about? And I saw it, and I can't stop thinking about it. You heard of the scallenge?

23:51

I don't know about this. Tell me about this. Alright. This is you know, I don't pay attention to sports. This is your league So, you know, you know, Brian is Brian Oh, oh, Scalabrini. Okay. I didn't know he called it the Scallage.

I don't know about this. Tell me about this. Alright. This is you know, I don't pay attention to sports. This is your league So, you know, you know, Brian is Brian Oh, oh, Scalabrini. Okay. I didn't know he called it the Scallage.

24:03

That's a good name. Well, ex explain who he is. People don't know probably. So Brian,

That's a good name. Well, ex explain who he is. People don't know probably. So Brian,

24:07

scalabrine, he played for the Celtics. He's like a red head. He's sick. Nine. He's huge, but I think It looks like, will Farrell, but actually was an NBA, NBA player. Yeah. So easy to make fun of. But think he was like, okay. Right? Or was he always Yeah. He he was okay, but then, like, it was okay. But he was, like, he didn't take himself too serious and over time, you know, like he had a kind of a few years where he actually played, but most of his career, he's on the bench as a scrub. And, yeah, yeah, barshop's his nickname, yep, Kobe was the black mamba. He started calling himself the white mamba. And so, you know, he was a goofy dude who

scalabrine, he played for the Celtics. He's like a red head. He's sick. Nine. He's huge, but I think It looks like, will Farrell, but actually was an NBA, NBA player. Yeah. So easy to make fun of. But think he was like, okay. Right? Or was he always Yeah. He he was okay, but then, like, it was okay. But he was, like, he didn't take himself too serious and over time, you know, like he had a kind of a few years where he actually played, but most of his career, he's on the bench as a scrub. And, yeah, yeah, barshop's his nickname, yep, Kobe was the black mamba. He started calling himself the white mamba. And so, you know, he was a goofy dude who

24:42

was basically a benchwoman for, like, the last whatever seven years of his career,

was basically a benchwoman for, like, the last whatever seven years of his career,

24:46

but was a great, you know, great locker room presence and and, you know, a warm body. So people kept him around. And I think at one point, he called himself. I don't know if it was a joke or what, the worst player in the NBA. Obviously, it was a joke. But anyway, after he retired,

but was a great, you know, great locker room presence and and, you know, a warm body. So people kept him around. And I think at one point, he called himself. I don't know if it was a joke or what, the worst player in the NBA. Obviously, it was a joke. But anyway, after he retired,

24:59

I guess he retired from the NBA somewhat recently ish, but he's still six nine and athletic and whatever or athletic per, you know, he's a basketball player. But he compared to the other guys, he wasn't like that athletic he starts playing rec leagues and, like, he would score, you know, rec leagues, like, at the YMCA

I guess he retired from the NBA somewhat recently ish, but he's still six nine and athletic and whatever or athletic per, you know, he's a basketball player. But he compared to the other guys, he wasn't like that athletic he starts playing rec leagues and, like, he would score, you know, rec leagues, like, at the YMCA

25:13

and on, playgrounds. And he scores, like, sixty points a game, you know, just crushing these guys. And he doesn't, like, brag about it too much, but then, like, online, at one point, he mentions, like, yeah, I got I got sixty points last night directly. And then just people online to start chirping at him hard. And they're like, dude, you suck. I could beat you. Or you I don't even know how you made it in the NBA. You know, yada yada yada. They start chirping at him. And he goes, wait a minute. No. I may be stuck compared to Derek Rose, but I don't suck compared to any of you guys. And so he starts doing this tour where he goes to, like,

and on, playgrounds. And he scores, like, sixty points a game, you know, just crushing these guys. And he doesn't, like, brag about it too much, but then, like, online, at one point, he mentions, like, yeah, I got I got sixty points last night directly. And then just people online to start chirping at him hard. And they're like, dude, you suck. I could beat you. Or you I don't even know how you made it in the NBA. You know, yada yada yada. They start chirping at him. And he goes, wait a minute. No. I may be stuck compared to Derek Rose, but I don't suck compared to any of you guys. And so he starts doing this tour where he goes to, like,

25:43

all these basketball courts. He goes, I wanna go to the the the the hoodest of the hood basketball court. I wanna go to the best YMCA. I wanna I'll go all around the country. And he starts doing this. And he crushes these guys. And he challenges people. He says, come play me one on one. Do you think I suck? Come play me one on one.

all these basketball courts. He goes, I wanna go to the the the the hoodest of the hood basketball court. I wanna go to the best YMCA. I wanna I'll go all around the country. And he starts doing this. And he crushes these guys. And he challenges people. He says, come play me one on one. Do you think I suck? Come play me one on one.

26:00

Yeah. And he and he and he destroys them. And there's he he's like, I'm not even doing this for social media, but some people recorded a couple of these things that he would beat them, like, ten nothing. Was like, I let him get one point just to figure out what they're gonna do, but I just destroy these guys. And he's got this awesome quote that he goes. He said this to, like, one of the kids. It was, like, a eighteen year old kid who, like, plays against up any any any any crushes this kid. He goes, let's get something straight. I'm closer to LeBron that you are to me.

Yeah. And he and he and he destroys them. And there's he he's like, I'm not even doing this for social media, but some people recorded a couple of these things that he would beat them, like, ten nothing. Was like, I let him get one point just to figure out what they're gonna do, but I just destroy these guys. And he's got this awesome quote that he goes. He said this to, like, one of the kids. It was, like, a eighteen year old kid who, like, plays against up any any any any crushes this kid. He goes, let's get something straight. I'm closer to LeBron that you are to me.

26:26

And I thought

And I thought

26:29

I read that. And I go, this is the greatest thing I've ever heard. Awesome. It's such a good story. And he called it the Scallenge, and I thought it was so good. It just shows, you know, there's levels to greatness.

I read that. And I go, this is the greatest thing I've ever heard. Awesome. It's such a good story. And he called it the Scallenge, and I thought it was so good. It just shows, you know, there's levels to greatness.

26:39

Yeah. There's levels to this. I think is the the perfect a perfect takeaway from that. And also he's hilarious. He is so good.

Yeah. There's levels to this. I think is the the perfect a perfect takeaway from that. And also he's hilarious. He is so good.

26:47

I don't remember this, by the way. We were when we did our our camp MFM,

I don't remember this, by the way. We were when we did our our camp MFM,

26:51

get away.

get away.

26:53

The the guy who came to train us, he's he trains, like, a bunch of NBA stars. So he trains Kyrie irving. He's trained to train young. And so he was there, and his wife is in the WMB.

The the guy who came to train us, he's he trains, like, a bunch of NBA stars. So he trains Kyrie irving. He's trained to train young. And so he was there, and his wife is in the WMB.

27:05

And, she's, like, one of the best players in the WMB. We're talking about the WMB and how, like, they're, you know, the players are awesome, but they also don't get, like, high viewership. It's, like, not like, the league doesn't do that well. It's kinda, like, subsidized by the NBA. They kinda loses money But, you know, it it it's good overall for the sport for there to be a woman's league. And so

And, she's, like, one of the best players in the WMB. We're talking about the WMB and how, like, they're, you know, the players are awesome, but they also don't get, like, high viewership. It's, like, not like, the league doesn't do that well. It's kinda, like, subsidized by the NBA. They kinda loses money But, you know, it it it's good overall for the sport for there to be a woman's league. And so

27:25

we were like, yeah. Well, we had a kind of impromptu brainstorm of like Same thing everyone says, which is can I beat her up? You know? Like, it's like it's what everyone says. Not beat her up. Just be back. That's what happens with, like, a bunch of truck getting at that buffalo wild wings are watching like Rose Naomi Eunice and like these female UFC fighters, everyone thinks it. Can I kick her ass? Yeah. What would happen if I fought her? Yeah. Exactly.

we were like, yeah. Well, we had a kind of impromptu brainstorm of like Same thing everyone says, which is can I beat her up? You know? Like, it's like it's what everyone says. Not beat her up. Just be back. That's what happens with, like, a bunch of truck getting at that buffalo wild wings are watching like Rose Naomi Eunice and like these female UFC fighters, everyone thinks it. Can I kick her ass? Yeah. What would happen if I fought her? Yeah. Exactly.

27:46

So, basically, we did a brainstorm of, like, what would you do to to get ratings up or to, like, if you were to launch a different women's league, like, how would you get people interested? Because the problem is I think I saw this this crazy TikTok. It was like, some team, whoever won the championship last year, I don't I have no idea. Maybe it's like the Atlanta dream or something like that. And they came home to do their parade in the city. And it literally just looked like, you know, if I walk to my bus stop here, there's, like, three people kinda loitering around There's like a bum. And then, you know, that was the parade. There was nobody there for the parade, and that the team was going down in the bus, and there was just like,

So, basically, we did a brainstorm of, like, what would you do to to get ratings up or to, like, if you were to launch a different women's league, like, how would you get people interested? Because the problem is I think I saw this this crazy TikTok. It was like, some team, whoever won the championship last year, I don't I have no idea. Maybe it's like the Atlanta dream or something like that. And they came home to do their parade in the city. And it literally just looked like, you know, if I walk to my bus stop here, there's, like, three people kinda loitering around There's like a bum. And then, you know, that was the parade. There was nobody there for the parade, and that the team was going down in the bus, and there was just like,

28:22

Other people were like, why is this what is this? Why is this bus here? What what oh, do you guys play a sport? I I didn't really realize that. And so there's this TikTok that went viral making fun of it. And, yeah, the idea that that we all landed on was

Other people were like, why is this what is this? Why is this bus here? What what oh, do you guys play a sport? I I didn't really realize that. And so there's this TikTok that went viral making fun of it. And, yeah, the idea that that we all landed on was

28:35

basically the three three, four, five best players

basically the three three, four, five best players

28:38

should basically go on tour. Like, it's the end one mix tape tour

should basically go on tour. Like, it's the end one mix tape tour

28:42

and go city to city and challenge, you know, any five, you know, go play pickup with any with dudes at any of these and live stream that,

and go city to city and challenge, you know, any five, you know, go play pickup with any with dudes at any of these and live stream that,

28:50

or, like, cut that into clips of them basically punking punking guy Yeah. Like, the beating guys who think they could beat them and,

or, like, cut that into clips of them basically punking punking guy Yeah. Like, the beating guys who think they could beat them and,

28:58

yeah, put some respect on their name. So so that was kind of the the marketing idea, but Yeah. To to our to if if the CMO of the WA is listening,

yeah, put some respect on their name. So so that was kind of the the marketing idea, but Yeah. To to our to if if the CMO of the WA is listening,

29:06

you're welcome.

you're welcome.

29:07

Dude, I love these challenges. There is another one where like, when you're watching running, running is not a popular sport, but I love it. It's my favorite sport to watch,

Dude, I love these challenges. There is another one where like, when you're watching running, running is not a popular sport, but I love it. It's my favorite sport to watch,

29:15

next to UFC.

next to UFC.

29:17

And

And

29:18

people were, like, they're not that they're, like, a two hour marathon. Do you remember that when, like, Ielud Eelud Kipchoge, he ran two hours And he just looks so smooth. He looks closer to an animal than he does a human. Like, his body is just, like, he just, you know, running a hundred miles a week for probably twenty years. He's just, like, his you look at his calves and you're like, I I can't believe that you and I are, like, the same. We're both humans. It it just it's not even fair. He looks graceful when he runs. He looks beautiful. And he doesn't look that fast. And so they put a treadmill at the same speed, and they go, here's here's Because he's doing it with ease. He's doing it with ease, and he does it for two hours. And they go, see if you can do this for fifteen seconds. And they have this treadmill, and, like, people can't do it for just twenty seconds. Can't even run that speed. It's basically, like, four minutes and thirty seconds a mile, which is, like, I don't know. Would that be, like, sixty miles an hour? For me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's like a sprint.

people were, like, they're not that they're, like, a two hour marathon. Do you remember that when, like, Ielud Eelud Kipchoge, he ran two hours And he just looks so smooth. He looks closer to an animal than he does a human. Like, his body is just, like, he just, you know, running a hundred miles a week for probably twenty years. He's just, like, his you look at his calves and you're like, I I can't believe that you and I are, like, the same. We're both humans. It it just it's not even fair. He looks graceful when he runs. He looks beautiful. And he doesn't look that fast. And so they put a treadmill at the same speed, and they go, here's here's Because he's doing it with ease. He's doing it with ease, and he does it for two hours. And they go, see if you can do this for fifteen seconds. And they have this treadmill, and, like, people can't do it for just twenty seconds. Can't even run that speed. It's basically, like, four minutes and thirty seconds a mile, which is, like, I don't know. Would that be, like, sixty miles an hour? For me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's like a sprint.

30:08

And,

And,

30:09

it's a sprint for most people. And, it was really funny. No one could keep up with it. So I love these. Like, that's actually one of the tenants of making content viral, which is it may you have to make something major stick, and you can make it stick by comparing it to real tangible things that everyone can understand when you put one of these treadmills at that speed, you're like, oh, I can't keep up with that for ten seconds. Let alone two hours.

it's a sprint for most people. And, it was really funny. No one could keep up with it. So I love these. Like, that's actually one of the tenants of making content viral, which is it may you have to make something major stick, and you can make it stick by comparing it to real tangible things that everyone can understand when you put one of these treadmills at that speed, you're like, oh, I can't keep up with that for ten seconds. Let alone two hours.

30:30

Totally. Totally. Somebody said this about the Olympics. They go. The Olympics there should be one civilian in every event,

Totally. Totally. Somebody said this about the Olympics. They go. The Olympics there should be one civilian in every event,

30:36

just a normal fit guy from the gym. And it should just be like, just as a baseline comparison,

just a normal fit guy from the gym. And it should just be like, just as a baseline comparison,

30:41

Here's the average person. You know, here's even, like, an above average person, and then here's the Olympics. Like, let them all just let them line up in lane eleven.

Here's the average person. You know, here's even, like, an above average person, and then here's the Olympics. Like, let them all just let them line up in lane eleven.

30:49

And see what happens. Dude, I would love that. I would love this. I have a I've got I've got a big meaty topic. What do you have? Alright. So

And see what happens. Dude, I would love that. I would love this. I have a I've got I've got a big meaty topic. What do you have? Alright. So

30:59

I this is a story of

I this is a story of

31:02

a

a

31:03

multi

multi

31:04

million easily multi million prop

million easily multi million prop

31:07

And type type in the chat, how do the calculation, how much I I lost doing this. Let's see. I would have invested at a company at five million.

And type type in the chat, how do the calculation, how much I I lost doing this. Let's see. I would have invested at a company at five million.

31:14

And it's now a three billion ish company.

And it's now a three billion ish company.

31:18

So, you know, I I basically turned I missed out on a chance to probably turn something like twenty five k into tens of millions of dollars. Yeah.

So, you know, I I basically turned I missed out on a chance to probably turn something like twenty five k into tens of millions of dollars. Yeah.

31:27

Okay. So here's what happened, but it's it's kinda there's kinda some some interesting things baked into this. So it's not just that, oh, I missed it. Big deal.

Okay. So here's what happened, but it's it's kinda there's kinda some some interesting things baked into this. So it's not just that, oh, I missed it. Big deal.

31:33

Everybody misses misses opportunities. This is an interesting one. So back in twenty fifteen,

Everybody misses misses opportunities. This is an interesting one. So back in twenty fifteen,

31:40

which is kinda when we met,

which is kinda when we met,

31:42

I was not a angel investor, but I liked the idea. I thought it sounded cool. I was a founder of a of a company.

I was not a angel investor, but I liked the idea. I thought it sounded cool. I was a founder of a of a company.

31:50

And I was making, I think,

And I was making, I think,

31:53

one hundred a hundred sixty grand a year. It's a hundred sixty grand a year. Back then, you told me you're making one sixty. And I was like, oh, you're the richest person I know. I remember you told me you're making a hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I was like, oh my god.

one hundred a hundred sixty grand a year. It's a hundred sixty grand a year. Back then, you told me you're making one sixty. And I was like, oh, you're the richest person I know. I remember you told me you're making a hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I was like, oh my god.

32:06

I I ma I remember I was like, man, find a find somebody who looks at me the way Sam looks at me right now, by the way that Sam looks at my pay stub. And so,

I I ma I remember I was like, man, find a find somebody who looks at me the way Sam looks at me right now, by the way that Sam looks at my pay stub. And so,

32:14

So, yeah, I I I was making one sixty a year, but in in California, you know, you're kind of

So, yeah, I I I was making one sixty a year, but in in California, you know, you're kind of

32:19

after taxes. Now you're at, like, one ten, you're netting, you know, and then you pay for life. Pretty expensive, blah, blah, blah. You don't save much. So I didn't have much of a bankroll, but I like the idea of an Angel investor. And people, because our office was so dope, When a founder would come, they would think that I'm a lot richer than I was, but just because our office was so

after taxes. Now you're at, like, one ten, you're netting, you know, and then you pay for life. Pretty expensive, blah, blah, blah. You don't save much. So I didn't have much of a bankroll, but I like the idea of an Angel investor. And people, because our office was so dope, When a founder would come, they would think that I'm a lot richer than I was, but just because our office was so

32:39

fancy, which was only fancy because

fancy, which was only fancy because

32:41

our main investor owned the building and decked it out for himself. And like that's why the office was so fancy. It had nothing to do with me. So anyways,

our main investor owned the building and decked it out for himself. And like that's why the office was so fancy. It had nothing to do with me. So anyways,

32:50

I

I

32:51

I meet this kid. We're building a product, and I meet this kid. He's thirteen years old, and he uses our app every day. Our app was like a clubhouse type of app. He used to use it every day after school. Come home. Use the app. And he's hanging out in the Silicon Valley chat rooms. And we're like, dude, you should be like going and Go try to have a kiss. Like, you know, that should be your mission not, like,

I meet this kid. We're building a product, and I meet this kid. He's thirteen years old, and he uses our app every day. Our app was like a clubhouse type of app. He used to use it every day after school. Come home. Use the app. And he's hanging out in the Silicon Valley chat rooms. And we're like, dude, you should be like going and Go try to have a kiss. Like, you know, that should be your mission not, like,

33:11

sitting in on this room talking about raising your series a. And,

sitting in on this room talking about raising your series a. And,

33:16

And so two things happen. One, he's like, dude, I wanna come work with you guys. What are, we're like, dude, you're in middle school. Like, I can't your parents are gonna kill me. I can't help you work for us by going, here's

And so two things happen. One, he's like, dude, I wanna come work with you guys. What are, we're like, dude, you're in middle school. Like, I can't your parents are gonna kill me. I can't help you work for us by going, here's

33:25

Here's what you can do. He goes, I wanna be a scout for you. I said, okay. Go ahead. K. Be a scout for me. He goes,

Here's what you can do. He goes, I wanna be a scout for you. I said, okay. Go ahead. K. Be a scout for me. He goes,

33:32

he goes, and he goes, what do you want me to do? I go, every week,

he goes, and he goes, what do you want me to do? I go, every week,

33:35

I want you to just send me a company that you think is awesome and that you think I should invest in and just write why you think I should invest and send me the company. Now I have zero hope or really even zero plan to read this email at the time. I'm just basically giving this kid a homework assignment. I'm like, yeah, this will help you

I want you to just send me a company that you think is awesome and that you think I should invest in and just write why you think I should invest and send me the company. Now I have zero hope or really even zero plan to read this email at the time. I'm just basically giving this kid a homework assignment. I'm like, yeah, this will help you

33:51

think. And most likely, this is gonna be too much work for you. You might do it once.

think. And most likely, this is gonna be too much work for you. You might do it once.

33:55

You might do it twice, but you're gonna give up by the third time for sure.

You might do it twice, but you're gonna give up by the third time for sure.

33:59

So I give him this homework assignment. The very first company he sends me is a company called Applyboard.

So I give him this homework assignment. The very first company he sends me is a company called Applyboard.

34:05

And so here's

And so here's

34:08

This was the second this is sorry. This is the second week. Tayshaun, here's the second company I wanna introduce. Applyboard. What they do? They help international students find the right university for themselves. And apply there on their behalf. They have eleven schools contracted to pay them a commission for every, for a student that gets that signed up. And they have fourteen more schools in the funnel. They have over fifty hundred students signed up, hundred sixty thousand Facebook likes, and this is all with ten dollars in paid marketing. It's actually pretty interesting. Right? Like, that's actually a a a kind of a a really good analysis. And that's, you know, simple two lines. So I'm like, wow. This gets thirteen. He's like, you know, he's This is a good find, and he's explained it well. He goes, why you should invest? Now this is where he got a little off, but that's okay. He goes, they started four years ago with offline consulting and then pivot into a software business, they know the space well. They have four co founders. They have a very, very diverse skill set, blah blah blah.

This was the second this is sorry. This is the second week. Tayshaun, here's the second company I wanna introduce. Applyboard. What they do? They help international students find the right university for themselves. And apply there on their behalf. They have eleven schools contracted to pay them a commission for every, for a student that gets that signed up. And they have fourteen more schools in the funnel. They have over fifty hundred students signed up, hundred sixty thousand Facebook likes, and this is all with ten dollars in paid marketing. It's actually pretty interesting. Right? Like, that's actually a a a kind of a a really good analysis. And that's, you know, simple two lines. So I'm like, wow. This gets thirteen. He's like, you know, he's This is a good find, and he's explained it well. He goes, why you should invest? Now this is where he got a little off, but that's okay. He goes, they started four years ago with offline consulting and then pivot into a software business, they know the space well. They have four co founders. They have a very, very diverse skill set, blah blah blah.

34:59

They have an algorithm,

They have an algorithm,

35:01

something something, and he says,

something something, and he says,

35:03

their customer acquisition costs only a few dollars, their LTV is thousand. So they have sustainable growth.

their customer acquisition costs only a few dollars, their LTV is thousand. So they have sustainable growth.

35:08

He goes, I'm trying to correct my shots so that one day I could hit the bull's eye for you. If you have any feedback on the company, I would love to hear it. Because the first one, I didn't even respond. I saw the aria said, like, this is bad.

He goes, I'm trying to correct my shots so that one day I could hit the bull's eye for you. If you have any feedback on the company, I would love to hear it. Because the first one, I didn't even respond. I saw the aria said, like, this is bad.

35:18

So this is his second one. And I'm like, you know what? This is actually pretty good. I'm gonna take this meeting. So guy is in San Francisco. He comes to my office. Love him. Super charming. This guy Martin.

So this is his second one. And I'm like, you know what? This is actually pretty good. I'm gonna take this meeting. So guy is in San Francisco. He comes to my office. Love him. Super charming. This guy Martin.

35:28

You you've probably met, like, a bunch of these guys who are, like, there's there's something that's really just, like,

You you've probably met, like, a bunch of these guys who are, like, there's there's something that's really just, like,

35:34

I don't know, charismatic

I don't know, charismatic

35:35

or charming about dudes from, like, you know, Israel or something like that. Like, anyone who's, like, Israel, Persian,

or charming about dudes from, like, you know, Israel or something like that. Like, anyone who's, like, Israel, Persian,

35:42

Turkey. There's, like, It's, like, there's just so goddamn charming. Like, they're just dripping with sauce. And,

Turkey. There's, like, It's, like, there's just so goddamn charming. Like, they're just dripping with sauce. And,

35:49

what's, what's Cliff's company? Excellent.

what's, what's Cliff's company? Excellent.

35:51

What's our buddy, Cliff? Cliff W.

What's our buddy, Cliff? Cliff W.

35:53

Cliff Weitzman?

Cliff Weitzman?

35:55

Yeah. The, it's the audio one. I I I think he's Middle Eastern. I met him, when when he was just starting.

Yeah. The, it's the audio one. I I I think he's Middle Eastern. I met him, when when he was just starting.

36:02

And I was like, it it he had oh, he's Israeli, actually.

And I was like, it it he had oh, he's Israeli, actually.

36:05

If he had that same vibe and in the office, go, what's interesting about you or something? And he goes, I can do a backflip. I go, alright. Well,

If he had that same vibe and in the office, go, what's interesting about you or something? And he goes, I can do a backflip. I go, alright. Well,

36:17

Yeah.

Yeah.

36:18

I said,

I said,

36:20

alright. Well, move that chair over. There's enough room here. Go, do it. And he did a back flip in the middle of my office.

alright. Well, move that chair over. There's enough room here. Go, do it. And he did a back flip in the middle of my office.

36:27

And, his company now Speechify, it's in the unicorn territory,

And, his company now Speechify, it's in the unicorn territory,

36:32

and I didn't invest in it. But that, like, he had that same care charisma when he came to my office lit up the room. I I should have I should have known better. Yeah. He's got amazing energy. And,

and I didn't invest in it. But that, like, he had that same care charisma when he came to my office lit up the room. I I should have I should have known better. Yeah. He's got amazing energy. And,

36:41

and so, yeah, this is the so so he so I meet this guy. He's got the Israeli swag. I'm loving it. And then, and, again, I have never at this point, I've never Angel invested in a company, but I'm, like, this seems like a great idea. And what they're why this is a great idea for people to know. It's f ed up part of the system, which is colleges in the US

and so, yeah, this is the so so he so I meet this guy. He's got the Israeli swag. I'm loving it. And then, and, again, I have never at this point, I've never Angel invested in a company, but I'm, like, this seems like a great idea. And what they're why this is a great idea for people to know. It's f ed up part of the system, which is colleges in the US

36:58

just have like surge pricing for international students. So it's basically like if I'm a if I'm a state resident,

just have like surge pricing for international students. So it's basically like if I'm a if I'm a state resident,

37:05

I get, like, cheaper tuition at state schools. Okay. But if I'm a US resident, I pay, you know, what I thought is full price. So maybe I'll pay twenty five k,

I get, like, cheaper tuition at state schools. Okay. But if I'm a US resident, I pay, you know, what I thought is full price. So maybe I'll pay twenty five k,

37:14

to go to school at this place. But an international student will have to pay two or three times more than that. So they'll pay fifty to seventy five thousand for the same exact thing. They just charge them more. It's kind of insane. I don't really know even how they are able to justify this, but they do.

to go to school at this place. But an international student will have to pay two or three times more than that. So they'll pay fifty to seventy five thousand for the same exact thing. They just charge them more. It's kind of insane. I don't really know even how they are able to justify this, but they do.

37:29

And, and so You you remember in San Francisco University? Was that what it called? University of San Francisco? I I dated a girl that went, like, had ties there. And I remember walking around campus, and only Chinese students. And and it's and it's not even good schools. Like, University of San Francisco or USF or whatever, it's not even that good of a school. And so it's actually It's a it's actually a bit of a trick. It's like,

And, and so You you remember in San Francisco University? Was that what it called? University of San Francisco? I I dated a girl that went, like, had ties there. And I remember walking around campus, and only Chinese students. And and it's and it's not even good schools. Like, University of San Francisco or USF or whatever, it's not even that good of a school. And so it's actually It's a it's actually a bit of a trick. It's like,

37:50

international students just wanna come to America. They can't differentiate between,

international students just wanna come to America. They can't differentiate between,

37:54

you know, University of Utah and, you know,

you know, University of Utah and, you know,

37:57

you know, Columbia or whatever. Like, at these different schools, they don't know the the lay of the land that well. They don't know that the school's in the middle of nowhere. They don't know that it's not actually considered that prestigious or whatever it is. It's just expensive.

you know, Columbia or whatever. Like, at these different schools, they don't know the the lay of the land that well. They don't know that the school's in the middle of nowhere. They don't know that it's not actually considered that prestigious or whatever it is. It's just expensive.

38:09

So it's actually a lot of these other schools that really take advantage of this. And have a huge percentage of their population coming from international, which makes up a disproportionate amount of revenue. So that's kind of like why the schools are interested. So they went to him and they were like, yeah, we'll give you three thousand dollars if you can get somebody to sign up. And he's like, three thousand dollars. Oh, that's pretty good. And I think now they take a lot more than. I think that now they take, you know, ten percent or something of the of the overall tuition. So it's gone up since then.

So it's actually a lot of these other schools that really take advantage of this. And have a huge percentage of their population coming from international, which makes up a disproportionate amount of revenue. So that's kind of like why the schools are interested. So they went to him and they were like, yeah, we'll give you three thousand dollars if you can get somebody to sign up. And he's like, three thousand dollars. Oh, that's pretty good. And I think now they take a lot more than. I think that now they take, you know, ten percent or something of the of the overall tuition. So it's gone up since then.

38:35

But, anyways, so he pitches and I'm like, dude, I just get yeah. I get I get caught up. I like the idea. I love this guy's personality. I'm like, I'm in. He's like, "You're in?" I'm in. He said fantastic. I haven't really talked to anybody else yet.

But, anyways, so he pitches and I'm like, dude, I just get yeah. I get I get caught up. I like the idea. I love this guy's personality. I'm like, I'm in. He's like, "You're in?" I'm in. He said fantastic. I haven't really talked to anybody else yet.

38:49

So I don't know all the round details. I said, brother.

So I don't know all the round details. I said, brother.

38:52

I'm in.

I'm in.

38:53

And, he's like, alright. Love it. You're you're the first guy I met in Silicon Valley. You're my champion on this. And I thought

And, he's like, alright. Love it. You're you're the first guy I met in Silicon Valley. You're my champion on this. And I thought

39:00

I'm the first guy he's been? Oh, wait. Hold on. I didn't wanna be I didn't I didn't really wanna be the first guy in. Like, you know, first, the dance floor is kind of like not not exactly the position to be So then he goes on tour, he goes, starts pitching people. And he starts coming back to me with and he he's a nice dude. He's an honest guy. He trusts me. He's a Man, they're saying no because of this. And I'm like, oh, these guys are idiots. Don't worry about them. They they don't get it. Next one, they came back. They said no because of this.

I'm the first guy he's been? Oh, wait. Hold on. I didn't wanna be I didn't I didn't really wanna be the first guy in. Like, you know, first, the dance floor is kind of like not not exactly the position to be So then he goes on tour, he goes, starts pitching people. And he starts coming back to me with and he he's a nice dude. He's an honest guy. He trusts me. He's a Man, they're saying no because of this. And I'm like, oh, these guys are idiots. Don't worry about them. They they don't get it. Next one, they came back. They said no because of this.

39:25

And as of by the third one, I'm like, maybe I should have been saying no. So I start to doubt my, my conviction in this thing, but I'm still, like, brother, I told you I'm in. I'm in.

And as of by the third one, I'm like, maybe I should have been saying no. So I start to doubt my, my conviction in this thing, but I'm still, like, brother, I told you I'm in. I'm in.

39:35

And,

And,

39:36

anyways, it takes him a little time. Dude, if you if the end of the story is you backed out on him and you were calling him brother, was his own brother. In fact, I think he was calling me brother because that was, like, you know, it's like the Khabib thing. Right? They just they just say brother a lot.

anyways, it takes him a little time. Dude, if you if the end of the story is you backed out on him and you were calling him brother, was his own brother. In fact, I think he was calling me brother because that was, like, you know, it's like the Khabib thing. Right? They just they just say brother a lot.

39:50

Dude, just knifed him in the back. Well, I didn't actually knife him in the back. I I don't know. I don't know exactly what I don't even know. I don't remember exactly how it played out, but I definitely

Dude, just knifed him in the back. Well, I didn't actually knife him in the back. I I don't know. I don't know exactly what I don't even know. I don't remember exactly how it played out, but I definitely

39:58

wussed out. So so, basically, takes him a little time to raise the round. He eventually does get the round together,

wussed out. So so, basically, takes him a little time to raise the round. He eventually does get the round together,

40:04

and I'm supposed to, you know, right,

and I'm supposed to, you know, right,

40:06

twenty five k check, not even, like, some crazy amount of money, but to me, at that time, that was, like,

twenty five k check, not even, like, some crazy amount of money, but to me, at that time, that was, like,

40:12

it's, like, alright. Well,

it's, like, alright. Well,

40:13

That's kind of like my entire, like, savings for this year is gonna go to this one random Israeli guy's company. Alright. You know, I could lose this, but I would really hate to lose this. And I start thinking about, you know, am I am I ready for this? I don't know. And so I kind of just I don't back out But I don't, I from what I remember, I didn't back out, but I didn't

That's kind of like my entire, like, savings for this year is gonna go to this one random Israeli guy's company. Alright. You know, I could lose this, but I would really hate to lose this. And I start thinking about, you know, am I am I ready for this? I don't know. And so I kind of just I don't back out But I don't, I from what I remember, I didn't back out, but I didn't

40:35

reach back out either. And so I think you probably emailed me once. I was like, yeah. Okay. Let me know when it's time. And then he probably emailed me, like, three or four weeks later. I was like, yo, it's time. And I just, like, didn't reply to that thing. And I I don't think anything really happened. But anyways, long story short, I don't invest.

reach back out either. And so I think you probably emailed me once. I was like, yeah. Okay. Let me know when it's time. And then he probably emailed me, like, three or four weeks later. I was like, yo, it's time. And I just, like, didn't reply to that thing. And I I don't think anything really happened. But anyways, long story short, I don't invest.

40:51

Fast forward, you know, five years, I get an email from that same kid, Sarush,

Fast forward, you know, five years, I get an email from that same kid, Sarush,

40:56

and Sarush is like, Hey. Remember this email?

and Sarush is like, Hey. Remember this email?

40:59

Yeah. Plyboard's a unicorn now.

Yeah. Plyboard's a unicorn now.

41:02

And,

And,

41:03

you know,

you know,

41:04

well, what do you know? Curious what you think about that. And I was like, I think I was an idiot. And I, I think it was a total idiot. And there's actually a few kind of, like, takeaways in this for me. So the few takeaways are,

well, what do you know? Curious what you think about that. And I was like, I think I was an idiot. And I, I think it was a total idiot. And there's actually a few kind of, like, takeaways in this for me. So the few takeaways are,

41:18

one,

one,

41:20

don't be a wuss. You say you're gonna do something, just do it. That's just a a lesson for myself. And I think, you know, for most people, yourself included, that's that's rarely a problem. For me, that's more of a problem. Second,

don't be a wuss. You say you're gonna do something, just do it. That's just a a lesson for myself. And I think, you know, for most people, yourself included, that's that's rarely a problem. For me, that's more of a problem. Second,

41:33

I actually think I was correct that I was not ready to be angel investing at the time.

I actually think I was correct that I was not ready to be angel investing at the time.

41:38

And so I I should have either You could have done, like, a five thousand dollar check. Yes. Exactly. So what I should have done is I should have said, alright. Look.

And so I I should have either You could have done, like, a five thousand dollar check. Yes. Exactly. So what I should have done is I should have said, alright. Look.

41:46

I don't have the bankroll to place twenty bets, which is kind of what you'll need. You need twenty or thirty bets for, you know, angel investing to work. And so it's like, you know, I don't I don't realistically. I do not have the bankroll to do this,

I don't have the bankroll to place twenty bets, which is kind of what you'll need. You need twenty or thirty bets for, you know, angel investing to work. And so it's like, you know, I don't I don't realistically. I do not have the bankroll to do this,

41:58

but that's okay. That doesn't mean I don't do what I want. It means I gotta be resourceful and find a way. So either Let me come in at a smaller check size that make it's my version of, you know, if Angel investor writes twenty five k when they have five million dollars, then I need to write the proportional check for me and see what happens.

but that's okay. That doesn't mean I don't do what I want. It means I gotta be resourceful and find a way. So either Let me come in at a smaller check size that make it's my version of, you know, if Angel investor writes twenty five k when they have five million dollars, then I need to write the proportional check for me and see what happens.

42:13

Or I should have gone to somebody and said, hey, I actually found this deal. I think it's really good. You have the money. Which is what I did later with Lambda School. It was like, hey, I like this company.

Or I should have gone to somebody and said, hey, I actually found this deal. I think it's really good. You have the money. Which is what I did later with Lambda School. It was like, hey, I like this company.

42:23

They haven't really raised much money yet. It's not proven, but, like, I think it's worth a shot. And I convinced somebody else to write the check and give me some carry. So that's really what I should have done to make this happen. But at the time, my fear

They haven't really raised much money yet. It's not proven, but, like, I think it's worth a shot. And I convinced somebody else to write the check and give me some carry. So that's really what I should have done to make this happen. But at the time, my fear

42:35

overrode

overrode

42:36

my, like,

my, like,

42:38

you know, the the,

you know, the the,

42:39

not even ego. The fear overrode my, like,

not even ego. The fear overrode my, like,

42:43

ability to think, like, from just think, like, with a clear head and say, okay. Well, sounds like there's just a little obstacle here, and let's figure out how we're gonna get around it. A lot of people are embarrassed. They're saying, like, can I do five thousand? Like, I remember doing a deal. I'd I did a deal for fifteen or twenty five thousand when I didn't have a lot of money. Thankfully, on paper, it's turned into a a bit. I remember thinking, like,

ability to think, like, from just think, like, with a clear head and say, okay. Well, sounds like there's just a little obstacle here, and let's figure out how we're gonna get around it. A lot of people are embarrassed. They're saying, like, can I do five thousand? Like, I remember doing a deal. I'd I did a deal for fifteen or twenty five thousand when I didn't have a lot of money. Thankfully, on paper, it's turned into a a bit. I remember thinking, like,

43:05

that's I wanna ask him if I could do five k, but I don't wanna look like a punk. Right.

that's I wanna ask him if I could do five k, but I don't wanna look like a punk. Right.

43:10

Yeah. So So I think I I should have found a way. And that's, I think, has been a common theme in my life, which is like a lot of good opportunities come my way. And I say I don't have the time. I don't have the money. I don't have the skill. I don't have whatever. And I rule it out. Even though objectively, I'm like, this is a great opportunity. And the real answer is

Yeah. So So I think I I should have found a way. And that's, I think, has been a common theme in my life, which is like a lot of good opportunities come my way. And I say I don't have the time. I don't have the money. I don't have the skill. I don't have whatever. And I rule it out. Even though objectively, I'm like, this is a great opportunity. And the real answer is

43:28

find a way to get the time or find somebody who does have the time. Any way to get the money or find somebody who has the money to help you out. Right? Like, do do one of those things to get there. And this is not like a small thing. Like, just doing the difference between doing that and not doing that would have been Again, tens of millions of dollars in this case when it in the result case where it it worked out. So that's one takeaway. The second is This guy's solution

find a way to get the time or find somebody who does have the time. Any way to get the money or find somebody who has the money to help you out. Right? Like, do do one of those things to get there. And this is not like a small thing. Like, just doing the difference between doing that and not doing that would have been Again, tens of millions of dollars in this case when it in the result case where it it worked out. So that's one takeaway. The second is This guy's solution

43:51

is, like, now become a general strategy for me, which is I always wanna have, like,

is, like, now become a general strategy for me, which is I always wanna have, like,

43:57

I don't know, four or five people who are kind of, like, way

I don't know, four or five people who are kind of, like, way

44:01

it's, like, it's like an anti mentor. Alright? Like, you know, it's a mentee or something like that. Right? It's, like, I wanna have people that are young,

it's, like, it's like an anti mentor. Alright? Like, you know, it's a mentee or something like that. Right? It's, like, I wanna have people that are young,

44:09

hungry,

hungry,

44:10

and ignorant,

and ignorant,

44:11

and naive.

and naive.

44:12

But that's an asset for them because they're young and hungry.

But that's an asset for them because they're young and hungry.

44:15

I wanna have them more in my orbit. And I need to find some excuse to have them in my orbit and hang out with them and and hear what they think is interesting and meet their friends and and whatever. Like, That is,

I wanna have them more in my orbit. And I need to find some excuse to have them in my orbit and hang out with them and and hear what they think is interesting and meet their friends and and whatever. Like, That is,

44:27

you know, I think that is an actual strategy that most people miss out on. Everybody wants to to, sort of, sort of, climb up They're like, oh, how do I meet the person who's done more than me, or is more successful to me, has more money than me, whatever. And they're focused constantly on, like, reaching up and trying to, like, pull themselves up. And instead, I found

you know, I think that is an actual strategy that most people miss out on. Everybody wants to to, sort of, sort of, climb up They're like, oh, how do I meet the person who's done more than me, or is more successful to me, has more money than me, whatever. And they're focused constantly on, like, reaching up and trying to, like, pull themselves up. And instead, I found

44:45

so much benefit out of just having a crew a small crew of, like,

so much benefit out of just having a crew a small crew of, like,

44:49

eighteen to twenty one year olds that I'm like, okay. You guys just think differently to me. You're worried about different things and,

eighteen to twenty one year olds that I'm like, okay. You guys just think differently to me. You're worried about different things and,

44:55

you're excited about different things than me. How do I have that in my life in some way? So that's actually become a a a more core strategy. Do you do anything like that? Yeah. So listen to this. So we had this kid

you're excited about different things than me. How do I have that in my life in some way? So that's actually become a a a more core strategy. Do you do anything like that? Yeah. So listen to this. So we had this kid

45:06

By the way, thank you for not making like an teen joke. I felt like I was treading. I was like, what you need is like fourteen year old dudes that you hang out with all the time. It's like, yeah.

By the way, thank you for not making like an teen joke. I felt like I was treading. I was like, what you need is like fourteen year old dudes that you hang out with all the time. It's like, yeah.

45:16

No. I I so I'm thirty three. I'm just now hitting the age where I'm no longer the youngest guy in the room, and I'm just hitting the age where I've got fifteen years or so of experience, and I'm seeing younger people. And I'm like, oh,

No. I I so I'm thirty three. I'm just now hitting the age where I'm no longer the youngest guy in the room, and I'm just hitting the age where I've got fifteen years or so of experience, and I'm seeing younger people. And I'm like, oh,

45:29

you're full of energy. You're gonna do something, but you're making an air here. And I'm just gonna I'm just gonna watch you make that error because it's good for you. I'm just now getting to the point where I'm able to be a little wise.

you're full of energy. You're gonna do something, but you're making an air here. And I'm just gonna I'm just gonna watch you make that error because it's good for you. I'm just now getting to the point where I'm able to be a little wise.

45:40

And I'm seeing the importance of surrounding ourselves with young people. Here's an example.

And I'm seeing the importance of surrounding ourselves with young people. Here's an example.

45:44

A year ago, Sean and I did this thing where we offered five thousand dollars to someone who made a

A year ago, Sean and I did this thing where we offered five thousand dollars to someone who made a

45:51

TikTok video from our

TikTok video from our

45:53

podcast and shared it. One kid in particular, his name was Michael. At the time, he made these videos that reached tens of millions of people for us.

podcast and shared it. One kid in particular, his name was Michael. At the time, he made these videos that reached tens of millions of people for us.

46:02

And we gave him the five grand, and I went to email him, and I was like, dude, you should do this full time. And I asked him what his email, and it was like, you know, michael at university of Michigan dot e d u. And I was like, wait, who are you? He goes, yeah, I just recorded this in my dorm room. I'm like, oh, you're gonna be you're you're onto something. You're gonna be a superstar. Just start throw this into a company. Turns into a company.

And we gave him the five grand, and I went to email him, and I was like, dude, you should do this full time. And I asked him what his email, and it was like, you know, michael at university of Michigan dot e d u. And I was like, wait, who are you? He goes, yeah, I just recorded this in my dorm room. I'm like, oh, you're gonna be you're you're onto something. You're gonna be a superstar. Just start throw this into a company. Turns into a company.

46:22

I guess our five k was his first money. He makes tens of thousands of dollars a month, eventually sells it to morning brew. Michael, what's my last name. I don't even know. Secan. Secan.

I guess our five k was his first money. He makes tens of thousands of dollars a month, eventually sells it to morning brew. Michael, what's my last name. I don't even know. Secan. Secan.

46:32

Yeah.

Yeah.

46:33

And he comes over to my house and uses this studio. And I just he'll mean Sarah will be in the kitchen. And I'll just I go, Mike, come out to the kitchen, have a coffee with me. And me and Sarah won't say a word, and we'll just let him talk. And I'm just, like, I'm just here to because he's twenty two maybe. And I'm like, I'm like, come to my kitchen, have some chocolate milk.

And he comes over to my house and uses this studio. And I just he'll mean Sarah will be in the kitchen. And I'll just I go, Mike, come out to the kitchen, have a coffee with me. And me and Sarah won't say a word, and we'll just let him talk. And I'm just, like, I'm just here to because he's twenty two maybe. And I'm like, I'm like, come to my kitchen, have some chocolate milk.

46:53

Yeah. You want some hot cocoa? A lollipop. Yeah. Stick

Yeah. You want some hot cocoa? A lollipop. Yeah. Stick

46:57

on my lap. While you're at it. And, like, he just talks.

on my lap. While you're at it. And, like, he just talks.

47:01

And

And

47:02

about sixty percent of the stuff that he says is nonsense.

about sixty percent of the stuff that he says is nonsense.

47:05

Forty percent. Absolutely nonsense. Not just him. Anybody who fits this category, you have to literally just immediately throw away sixty percent of the words. But what I say to him, I go. Michael,

Forty percent. Absolutely nonsense. Not just him. Anybody who fits this category, you have to literally just immediately throw away sixty percent of the words. But what I say to him, I go. Michael,

47:17

most of what you're saying is bullshit, and I think you might know it. But, look, here's the deal. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut a nut once in a while. Keep on swinging. You'll hit a home run soon because you're swinging. You're in the game, and I appreciate that about you. And if you ever wanna know what you're saying is bullshit ask me and I'll tell you, but I'm not gonna call you out. I'm gonna let you get away with it all because I I like I like this gum shit, and he tweeted something the other day that was hilarious. He tweeted.

most of what you're saying is bullshit, and I think you might know it. But, look, here's the deal. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut a nut once in a while. Keep on swinging. You'll hit a home run soon because you're swinging. You're in the game, and I appreciate that about you. And if you ever wanna know what you're saying is bullshit ask me and I'll tell you, but I'm not gonna call you out. I'm gonna let you get away with it all because I I like I like this gum shit, and he tweeted something the other day that was hilarious. He tweeted.

47:39

Got bad news. Just got back from the chiropractor. They said the chip on my shoulders permanent. How funny is

Got bad news. Just got back from the chiropractor. They said the chip on my shoulders permanent. How funny is

47:44

that?

that?

47:51

And I was like, this is why you're gonna make something of yourself. Now you might ruin it by saying, dub stuff, and you're gonna cost yourself a whole

And I was like, this is why you're gonna make something of yourself. Now you might ruin it by saying, dub stuff, and you're gonna cost yourself a whole

47:56

lot of money. And you're gonna have a lot of headache throughout the years until you learn to be calmer. But You know, he's feeling good about that line too when he tweeted

lot of money. And you're gonna have a lot of headache throughout the years until you learn to be calmer. But You know, he's feeling good about that line too when he tweeted

48:07

But I appreciate

But I appreciate

48:08

that this is a young kid. So I had I had he moved to Austin. I invite him over all the time. And I go, just talk, man. Just just just talk. I wanna hear what you gotta say, and he's telling me, like and I'm just, like, learning about what, like, the younger generation feels about this and that. And he's, like, yeah, we're gonna he's, like, He has a birthday party coming up on Saturday, and we're taking some, like, new weird version of Uber. I don't even know what it is. It's like a party bus company. I don't even know what it is. But he's like, this is what all this is what we're all using. I was like, alright. Cool. I'm in. I just wanna experience this stuff. So, yes, long story short, I totally

that this is a young kid. So I had I had he moved to Austin. I invite him over all the time. And I go, just talk, man. Just just just talk. I wanna hear what you gotta say, and he's telling me, like and I'm just, like, learning about what, like, the younger generation feels about this and that. And he's, like, yeah, we're gonna he's, like, He has a birthday party coming up on Saturday, and we're taking some, like, new weird version of Uber. I don't even know what it is. It's like a party bus company. I don't even know what it is. But he's like, this is what all this is what we're all using. I was like, alright. Cool. I'm in. I just wanna experience this stuff. So, yes, long story short, I totally

48:35

am experiencing this where I have young people around me. Sounds weird, but let's get past that. No. The young blood strategy is a real strategy. And, and, actually, this is my reminder to myself. I need to refresh my my young bloods are now, like, twenty four to twenty five and rich. They're, like, made it. Like, okay. So Michael is one example.

am experiencing this where I have young people around me. Sounds weird, but let's get past that. No. The young blood strategy is a real strategy. And, and, actually, this is my reminder to myself. I need to refresh my my young bloods are now, like, twenty four to twenty five and rich. They're, like, made it. Like, okay. So Michael is one example.

48:53

The other guys who set up our initial studios here and then created that, agency clipped

The other guys who set up our initial studios here and then created that, agency clipped

48:58

They've they do over a million dollars a year in revenue off their off their thing. And now their their content is going going nuts. Their short form videos are going nuts, like millions of views.

They've they do over a million dollars a year in revenue off their off their thing. And now their their content is going going nuts. Their short form videos are going nuts, like millions of views.

49:08

And I had to, like, reprimand reprimand Henry all the time. I was like, hey, Henry. Just so you know, you shouldn't talk like this when you're in this meeting. Or something. And then eventually, I was like, you know, I'm not gonna give him advice. I'm just gonna let him learn, but I saw the same thing where I'm like, you're making a bunch of mistakes, but you're taking a ton of swings. You're gonna you're gonna you're gonna

And I had to, like, reprimand reprimand Henry all the time. I was like, hey, Henry. Just so you know, you shouldn't talk like this when you're in this meeting. Or something. And then eventually, I was like, you know, I'm not gonna give him advice. I'm just gonna let him learn, but I saw the same thing where I'm like, you're making a bunch of mistakes, but you're taking a ton of swings. You're gonna you're gonna you're gonna

49:26

the the kid I talked about, Sarush,

the the kid I talked about, Sarush,

49:28

probably has more money than me now from crypto. The guy has made an absolute killing in crypto over the last few years. And so done done incredibly well.

probably has more money than me now from crypto. The guy has made an absolute killing in crypto over the last few years. And so done done incredibly well.

49:36

The guy who was my intern to start this podcast,

The guy who was my intern to start this podcast,

49:40

ishan, who

ishan, who

49:41

just, like, doing the video editing and, like, created the initial brand name and all that stuff. Yeah. Did he, like, invests all of his money into, like, a short stock, a short position on a penny stock. Not a short not a short one. He he went all in. He took basically, he had, like, a hundred grand saved up after a couple years of working for me. And then for a friend, I introduced him to And he took the hundred grand,

just, like, doing the video editing and, like, created the initial brand name and all that stuff. Yeah. Did he, like, invests all of his money into, like, a short stock, a short position on a penny stock. Not a short not a short one. He he went all in. He took basically, he had, like, a hundred grand saved up after a couple years of working for me. And then for a friend, I introduced him to And he took the hundred grand,

50:00

and he just bought

and he just bought

50:02

there was a stock that got delisted on a stock exchange. So all these shareholders were like, damn it. What do we do with this stock? That's it. We can't trade anymore. It's like illiquid.

there was a stock that got delisted on a stock exchange. So all these shareholders were like, damn it. What do we do with this stock? That's it. We can't trade anymore. It's like illiquid.

50:11

And so he bought it all for, like, ten cents on the dollar. Being like, I don't know. I still believe. And then that ran up to be worth a few million dollars.

And so he bought it all for, like, ten cents on the dollar. Being like, I don't know. I still believe. And then that ran up to be worth a few million dollars.

50:20

His his hundred k basically turned into, like, a two to five million dollar stake. At that time. Not now. I think it's come down a little bit. But,

His his hundred k basically turned into, like, a two to five million dollar stake. At that time. Not now. I think it's come down a little bit. But,

50:27

there's articles about him and the Australian post or whatever now. And I'm like, dude, this is crazy. Who and another one, Steve Bartlett,

there's articles about him and the Australian post or whatever now. And I'm like, dude, this is crazy. Who and another one, Steve Bartlett,

50:35

hired Steve when I when he was, eighteen, nineteen years old, maybe. Or maybe that's a little, maybe a little, maybe he's twenty at the time.

hired Steve when I when he was, eighteen, nineteen years old, maybe. Or maybe that's a little, maybe a little, maybe he's twenty at the time.

50:43

And I was like, this guy, again, just dripping with swag. And I was like, I just wanna be around this guy. This guy's like cool. I don't know. He wears, like, rings and he, like, says words. I don't know. And, like,

And I was like, this guy, again, just dripping with swag. And I was like, I just wanna be around this guy. This guy's like cool. I don't know. He wears, like, rings and he, like, says words. I don't know. And, like,

50:53

for some reason, he his tweets go viral.

for some reason, he his tweets go viral.

50:57

I don't know. Like, Mine don't. So, like, what does this guy know? And sure enough,

I don't know. Like, Mine don't. So, like, what does this guy know? And sure enough,

51:03

ends up creating this social media agency, ends up taking it public,

ends up creating this social media agency, ends up taking it public,

51:07

has this great podcast that's super popular. He's a shark on the shark tank of Europe. Like, this guy's, like, now, he's, like, he he's the Black Gary V now. And so it's, like, there's a It's like, dude, that's I just thought of six in the last fifteen seconds. Like, I don't even there might be even more that I'm not even remembering that or, like, come from the same batch.

has this great podcast that's super popular. He's a shark on the shark tank of Europe. Like, this guy's, like, now, he's, like, he he's the Black Gary V now. And so it's, like, there's a It's like, dude, that's I just thought of six in the last fifteen seconds. Like, I don't even there might be even more that I'm not even remembering that or, like, come from the same batch.

51:25

And, I need a I need a new batch. My little personal YC.

And, I need a I need a new batch. My little personal YC.

51:29

This is good that you're talking about this. So I was talking to a friend yesterday. So, producer, Ben, you can leave all the slide, but you're gonna have to, bleep out what I'm I'm about to say, but I want Sean to know what it is. So,

This is good that you're talking about this. So I was talking to a friend yesterday. So, producer, Ben, you can leave all the slide, but you're gonna have to, bleep out what I'm I'm about to say, but I want Sean to know what it is. So,

51:40

my friend I was talking to

my friend I was talking to

51:42

He said,

He said,

51:44

he he just mentioned it. He we were talking about something totally different, and he was like, yeah. You know, like, you know, I made thirty million dollars from an angel investment. And,

he he just mentioned it. He we were talking about something totally different, and he was like, yeah. You know, like, you know, I made thirty million dollars from an angel investment. And,

51:51

Yeah. Yeah. So this is how I found my accountant. I did this. This because I'm asking him for a good accountant. And I was like

Yeah. Yeah. So this is how I found my accountant. I did this. This because I'm asking him for a good accountant. And I was like

51:58

like, I did the rewind sound. I was like, scare it. Like, you know, scratch the record,

like, I did the rewind sound. I was like, scare it. Like, you know, scratch the record,

52:03

reverse. Tell me about this thing. He goes, yeah. Basically, I was, you know, like, president of, like, a smallish startup that wasn't doing so well.

reverse. Tell me about this thing. He goes, yeah. Basically, I was, you know, like, president of, like, a smallish startup that wasn't doing so well.

52:10

And a twenty two year old got kid who worked for me, he quit to start a company.

And a twenty two year old got kid who worked for me, he quit to start a company.

52:15

And I was, you know, frustrated at first, but, he was real promising, and so I invested twenty five thousand dollars,

And I was, you know, frustrated at first, but, he was real promising, and so I invested twenty five thousand dollars,

52:22

at a three million dollar valuation.

at a three million dollar valuation.

52:24

The company went public

The company went public

52:26

like a year or two ago, and it was a fifteen billion dollar evaluation. It was called a market cap. It was called this is the part you gotta bleep out. It was called

like a year or two ago, and it was a fifteen billion dollar evaluation. It was called a market cap. It was called this is the part you gotta bleep out. It was called

52:35

you know that company?

you know that company?

52:36

No. But, okay. It's a boring

No. But, okay. It's a boring

52:39

nothing special, like, b to b, whatever.

nothing special, like, b to b, whatever.

52:43

And,

And,

52:44

He's he's like, yeah. I had seventy five thousand dollars at the time. When I was running my first startup, I didn't have a lot of money, but I decided to invest all of it into startups, and I did it in sizes of ten and twenty five thousand dollars. And that one check that I did of twenty five thousand dollars, it turned into thirty million dollars.

He's he's like, yeah. I had seventy five thousand dollars at the time. When I was running my first startup, I didn't have a lot of money, but I decided to invest all of it into startups, and I did it in sizes of ten and twenty five thousand dollars. And that one check that I did of twenty five thousand dollars, it turned into thirty million dollars.

53:01

And

And

53:02

and I was like, are you kidding me? He goes, yeah. Basically, like, I knew this kid was strong.

and I was like, are you kidding me? He goes, yeah. Basically, like, I knew this kid was strong.

53:06

And I wanted to be part of just whatever he was in. I wanted to surround myself young people, and I thought he was promising.

And I wanted to be part of just whatever he was in. I wanted to surround myself young people, and I thought he was promising.

53:12

And,

And,

53:13

in fact,

in fact,

53:14

it worked out really well. And I made so much money off of this one deal. And he goes, the and then the other one, he said, made, like, a ten x return as well. And you just got super lucky on that one, and it totally worked out. So it it's crazy story. And I'm, like, I've invested in a bunch of companies. I'm late for that to happen. That'd be nice. Yeah. Exactly.

it worked out really well. And I made so much money off of this one deal. And he goes, the and then the other one, he said, made, like, a ten x return as well. And you just got super lucky on that one, and it totally worked out. So it it's crazy story. And I'm, like, I've invested in a bunch of companies. I'm late for that to happen. That'd be nice. Yeah. Exactly.

53:32

What

What

53:33

what what part do I do for thirty billion. Is there a line for that? Am I in the right line?

what what part do I do for thirty billion. Is there a line for that? Am I in the right line?

53:39

Yeah.

Yeah.

53:40

Yeah. So it worked out. It it it's a crazy story.

Yeah. So it worked out. It it it's a crazy story.

53:42

That was good. Alright. I had another one, but let's let's save it for the next, let's save it for the next episode because it's getting a little long now. Alright. That's the pod. I think that was a banger. We forgot to remind people if you made it this far. There is a gentleman's agreement. This content that you're listening to, it is not free. We're, like, one of the only places on YouTube actually where the content's not free.

That was good. Alright. I had another one, but let's let's save it for the next, let's save it for the next episode because it's getting a little long now. Alright. That's the pod. I think that was a banger. We forgot to remind people if you made it this far. There is a gentleman's agreement. This content that you're listening to, it is not free. We're, like, one of the only places on YouTube actually where the content's not free.

54:01

You have to pay. What do you have to pay with?

You have to pay. What do you have to pay with?

54:04

That's your cue, Sean. Oh, oh, I was enthralled. I was ready for you to just

That's your cue, Sean. Oh, oh, I was enthralled. I was ready for you to just

54:09

keep going. I thought you were on one. Go ahead.

keep going. I thought you were on one. Go ahead.

54:11

You have to pay something. In order to listen to this channel, if you've listened to more than one thing, you have to do me a favor. Go to the YouTube page and click subscribe because that, like, helps us Or you know what? What I'm gonna ask people to do, if you're listening to this on, like, Apple or, Spotify,

You have to pay something. In order to listen to this channel, if you've listened to more than one thing, you have to do me a favor. Go to the YouTube page and click subscribe because that, like, helps us Or you know what? What I'm gonna ask people to do, if you're listening to this on, like, Apple or, Spotify,

54:25

share this, share it on Twitter, LinkedIn, all that stuff, and and we're even. So you listen to us. I just spent hours on this research, by the way. And you spent fifteen million dollars of lost money in order to make this content. To tell that story. Yep. I've To tell that story, I believe in front of you. So,

share this, share it on Twitter, LinkedIn, all that stuff, and and we're even. So you listen to us. I just spent hours on this research, by the way. And you spent fifteen million dollars of lost money in order to make this content. To tell that story. Yep. I've To tell that story, I believe in front of you. So,

54:42

this is not free. Subscribe to the channel? Yeah. This is not a this is not this channel is not free. You have to click subscribe on YouTube because we're trying to build up our YouTube, and you have to click subscribe

this is not free. Subscribe to the channel? Yeah. This is not a this is not this channel is not free. You have to click subscribe on YouTube because we're trying to build up our YouTube, and you have to click subscribe

54:54

and follow on the spot podcast. And by the way, what I like people go in the comments on YouTube and they just say they honored the gentleman's agreement, and I go to each one and I just say from handshakes, from handshakes to you, from handshakes to you too. So that's what you have to do. And by the way, I read every comment on those YouTube things. Alright. We're out of here.

and follow on the spot podcast. And by the way, what I like people go in the comments on YouTube and they just say they honored the gentleman's agreement, and I go to each one and I just say from handshakes, from handshakes to you, from handshakes to you too. So that's what you have to do. And by the way, I read every comment on those YouTube things. Alright. We're out of here.

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