Who are you and what startup did you build?

I’m Ferhat, a 21-year-old founder from Turkey with a background in computer science from Erciyes University.

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a fascination for software and SaaS, leading me to create a directory that lists tools accessible without signup. This project, which I sold, catered to a niche audience looking for hassle-free access to various tools.

How did you come up with the idea?

The idea originated from my partner, who was more focused on the tech side of things. He developed the first version of the product while I concentrated on marketing and growth.

This division of labor allowed us to quickly build and promote the product, each leveraging our strengths. We both saw the potential in offering a seamless experience for users to access various tools without the hassle of signing up.

What was the first version of your product?

We built the product using Next.js and Airtable, aiming for simplicity and ease of use. The design was straightforward, using a self-made template.

Since the project wasn't technically challenging, our main hurdle was getting it in front of the right audience.The initial version was cost-effective, wit0 spent on development, as it was all done in-house.

How did you launch your project?

Our launch strategy was straightforward: we posted on Hacker News. The response was better than expected, with our post receiving 212 upvotes.

We didn't spend any money on marketing or preparation, relying solely on the organic reach of the platform. The success on Hacker News was a pleasant surprise and significantly boosted our visibility.

After launch, what was the best growth strategy?

Reddit played a crucial role in our growth, particularly a post that went viral on the InternetIsBeautiful subreddit.

We didn’t spend anything on customer acquisition, as all traffic came organically. Despite the eventual deletion of the post, we managed to attract around 50k visits per day, showcasing the power of organic reach.

How did you monetize your venture?

Our business model was simple: advertisement. Given that it was a directory, ads were the most straightforward monetization method.

We managed everything ourselves, with minimal expenses, and made around $50 per month. We used tools like QuickBooks and Mercury for financial management, keeping operations lean.

How much did you get after exit?

The sale was acash deal, netting u2,300. It felt surreal to see the fruits of our labor pay off, even if it wasn’t a life-changing sum.

The proceeds were reinvested into stocks like AMZN, GOOGL, and MSFT, though I sometimes wonder if they should have gone into new projects. The transaction was facilitated through Payoneer.

What do you plan to do next? And what help do you need?

I’m currently working on Spinosis, a tool designed to add personalization to SaaS projects.

I'm looking for partners, particularly SaaS founders with existing revenue and traction, to help increase conversion rates. We already have 12 clients on our waitlist, all of whom are excited to see how our tool can enhance their businesses.

One person, one book and one site that affected you the most

Person: Steve Jobs. His belief that the world around us is built by people no smarter than ourselves has been a constant source of inspiration.

Book: The Lean Startup has been instrumental in shaping my approach to rapid experimentation and customer feedback.

Site: Paul Graham's blog has provided countless insights and practical advice on startups and entrepreneurship.

Wisdom for other startup founders

Consistency and discipline are key.

These qualities can fundamentally change your life and the trajectory of your projects. Keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough, and always stay true to your vision.