How TinySeed Helped Me Grow My SaaS to $500k ARR (in 1 Year)

When I first started working myself, I When I first started working myself, I wanted the independence that comes with wanted the independence that comes with wanted the independence that comes with that. And then I realized that some that. And then I realized that some that. And then I realized that some business models are better than others. business models are better than others. business models are better than others. And so I tried a few times to crack a And so I tried a few times to crack a And so I tried a few times to crack a software product. It felt like I finally software product. It felt like I finally software product. It felt like I finally got it. When our SAS was getting got it. When our SAS was getting got it. When our SAS was getting feedback, we were getting good prospects feedback, we were getting good prospects feedback, we were getting good prospects coming in. We were running into tricky coming in. We were running into tricky coming in. We were running into tricky problems. Felt like I was finally problems. Felt like I was finally problems. Felt like I was finally solving a problem that people actually solving a problem that people actually solving a problem that people actually wanted solved. I joined Tiny Seed to wanted solved. I joined Tiny Seed to wanted solved. I joined Tiny Seed to help pursue that. And you know, here I help pursue that. And you know, here I help pursue that. And you know, here I am a year later up on Syncs at half a am a year later up on Syncs at half a am a year later up on Syncs at half a million dollars in annual recurring million dollars in annual recurring million dollars in annual recurring revenue. We've got a great team. Because revenue. We've got a great team. Because revenue. We've got a great team. Because we joined Tiny Seed, I really believe we joined Tiny Seed, I really believe we joined Tiny Seed, I really believe that it put us on a trajectory to be that it put us on a trajectory to be that it put us on a trajectory to be where we are now. And I'm feeling really where we are now. And I'm feeling really where we are now. And I'm feeling really optimistic about where we're going next. optimistic about where we're going next. optimistic about where we're going next. Today, I'm talking with Harris Kenny, Today, I'm talking with Harris Kenny, Today, I'm talking with Harris Kenny, founder of Outbound Sync, about how he founder of Outbound Sync, about how he founder of Outbound Sync, about how he used seed funding from Tiny Seed, the used seed funding from Tiny Seed, the used seed funding from Tiny Seed, the B2B SAS accelerator I run to turn a low B2B SAS accelerator I run to turn a low B2B SAS accelerator I run to turn a low code MVP, into a full-fledged SAS code MVP, into a full-fledged SAS code MVP, into a full-fledged SAS business doing over half a million a business doing over half a million a business doing over half a million a year in annual recurring revenue in just year in annual recurring revenue in just year in annual recurring revenue in just about 12 months. We're going behind the about 12 months. We're going behind the about 12 months. We're going behind the scenes of what really happens after you scenes of what really happens after you scenes of what really happens after you join a startup accelerator. We'll talk join a startup accelerator. We'll talk join a startup accelerator. We'll talk about what the Tiny Seed program looks about what the Tiny Seed program looks about what the Tiny Seed program looks like through a founders's eyes, how like through a founders's eyes, how like through a founders's eyes, how Harris decided where to invest the Harris decided where to invest the Harris decided where to invest the funding and the thinking behind those funding and the thinking behind those funding and the thinking behind those moves, the unexpected benefits of being moves, the unexpected benefits of being moves, the unexpected benefits of being part of an accelerator, and make sure part of an accelerator, and make sure part of an accelerator, and make sure you stick around till the end to hear you stick around till the end to hear you stick around till the end to hear the surprising advice he has for other the surprising advice he has for other the surprising advice he has for other founders like him. Let's get into it.

founders like him. Let's get into it. founders like him. Let's get into it. So, Harris, before we get into what So, Harris, before we get into what So, Harris, before we get into what happened after you joined, take us back. happened after you joined, take us back. happened after you joined, take us back. Where was your business right before Where was your business right before Where was your business right before joining Tiny Seed? I was running an joining Tiny Seed? I was running an joining Tiny Seed? I was running an outbound agency and we were a HubSpot outbound agency and we were a HubSpot outbound agency and we were a HubSpot solutions partner. Basically just solutions partner. Basically just solutions partner. Basically just realized these tools didn't talk to each realized these tools didn't talk to each realized these tools didn't talk to each other. And after a few years of testing other. And after a few years of testing other. And after a few years of testing a few different SAS ideas, it felt like a few different SAS ideas, it felt like a few different SAS ideas, it felt like this might be a good one and I pieced this might be a good one and I pieced this might be a good one and I pieced something together with low code, something together with low code, something together with low code, refactored into full code and that's refactored into full code and that's refactored into full code and that's when we started building momentum and I when we started building momentum and I when we started building momentum and I felt like I was getting in over my head. felt like I was getting in over my head. felt like I was getting in over my head. That's what prompted me to apply to That's what prompted me to apply to That's what prompted me to apply to Chinese Seed. Chinese Seed. Chinese Seed. >> Do you recall what your MR was? Yeah, we >> Do you recall what your MR was? Yeah, we >> Do you recall what your MR was? Yeah, we were around like 7,500 MR at the time. were around like 7,500 MR at the time. were around like 7,500 MR at the time. And now a number of those were bundled And now a number of those were bundled And now a number of those were bundled with clients. So it was pure software with clients. So it was pure software with clients. So it was pure software subscription, but there were a lot of subscription, but there were a lot of subscription, but there were a lot of things that we were doing that weren't things that we were doing that weren't things that we were doing that weren't like a a normal SAS would be. I just like a a normal SAS would be. I just like a a normal SAS would be. I just knew there was a lot there was a big gap knew there was a lot there was a big gap knew there was a lot there was a big gap between how I was running the business between how I was running the business between how I was running the business and how and and where it could get to, and how and and where it could get to, and how and and where it could get to, but where it was at the time. but where it was at the time. but where it was at the time. >> And right from the start of the program, >> And right from the start of the program, >> And right from the start of the program, you were making a lot of moves to grow you were making a lot of moves to grow you were making a lot of moves to grow your business. Let's talk a bit about your business. Let's talk a bit about your business. Let's talk a bit about how you spent the money that we invested how you spent the money that we invested how you spent the money that we invested and how you decided what to spend it on.

and how you decided what to spend it on. and how you decided what to spend it on. Well, one of the indications that we Well, one of the indications that we Well, one of the indications that we were on to something is that I started were on to something is that I started were on to something is that I started getting prospects asking about SOCK 2 getting prospects asking about SOCK 2 getting prospects asking about SOCK 2 and vendor compliance. And I didn't know and vendor compliance. And I didn't know and vendor compliance. And I didn't know what they were asking for. And so I just what they were asking for. And so I just what they were asking for. And so I just basically lost a couple deals. And as I basically lost a couple deals. And as I basically lost a couple deals. And as I as it came up more and more, I came to as it came up more and more, I came to as it came up more and more, I came to feel like this is going to be an feel like this is going to be an feel like this is going to be an important part of our business. Like we important part of our business. Like we important part of our business. Like we should probably get sock 2 type two. So should probably get sock 2 type two. So should probably get sock 2 type two. So that was one I got pretty quickly. Um, that was one I got pretty quickly. Um, that was one I got pretty quickly. Um, and I mean it's funny, but it was, let's and I mean it's funny, but it was, let's and I mean it's funny, but it was, let's just say, rounded around $20,000. just say, rounded around $20,000. just say, rounded around $20,000. And we closed a $20,000 enterprise deal And we closed a $20,000 enterprise deal And we closed a $20,000 enterprise deal like literally within a month of getting like literally within a month of getting like literally within a month of getting it. And we flew through that procurement it. And we flew through that procurement it. And we flew through that procurement process because we had the process because we had the process because we had the documentation. And we have subsequently documentation. And we have subsequently documentation. And we have subsequently closed, I mean, a bunch of deals. I closed, I mean, a bunch of deals. I closed, I mean, a bunch of deals. I mean, every couple of weeks, one will mean, every couple of weeks, one will mean, every couple of weeks, one will request access to our trust center. They request access to our trust center. They request access to our trust center. They see the docs, they're happy with the see the docs, they're happy with the see the docs, they're happy with the report, we close the deal. So, that was report, we close the deal. So, that was report, we close the deal. So, that was one that was just really obvious um, and one that was just really obvious um, and one that was just really obvious um, and like a really clear ROI that you can't like a really clear ROI that you can't like a really clear ROI that you can't even really dispute. But I think that I even really dispute. But I think that I even really dispute. But I think that I mean for me personally it was like mean for me personally it was like mean for me personally it was like shutting down the agency and going all shutting down the agency and going all shutting down the agency and going all in on one thing. Um I definitely used in on one thing. Um I definitely used in on one thing. Um I definitely used the proceeds from Tiny Seed to get the proceeds from Tiny Seed to get the proceeds from Tiny Seed to get myself fully committed to the business.

myself fully committed to the business. myself fully committed to the business. And I think that that focus was a huge And I think that that focus was a huge And I think that that focus was a huge deal. I I just like I couldn't keep deal. I I just like I couldn't keep deal. I I just like I couldn't keep doing multiple things. Being a solo doing multiple things. Being a solo doing multiple things. Being a solo founder of a software company or even a founder of a software company or even a founder of a software company or even a co-founder software company like that's co-founder software company like that's co-founder software company like that's a full-time job and I was juggling just a full-time job and I was juggling just a full-time job and I was juggling just too much before. I just couldn't keep it too much before. I just couldn't keep it too much before. I just couldn't keep it up. So that was another huge one for us up. So that was another huge one for us up. So that was another huge one for us and for the company for me was just and for the company for me was just and for the company for me was just hiring myself, buying out my time so I hiring myself, buying out my time so I hiring myself, buying out my time so I could focus on building and and then could focus on building and and then could focus on building and and then other hiring decisions were big. Um we other hiring decisions were big. Um we other hiring decisions were big. Um we also saved money in some areas because also saved money in some areas because also saved money in some areas because of the tiny seed perks. So like there of the tiny seed perks. So like there of the tiny seed perks. So like there were areas where we needed to upgrade were areas where we needed to upgrade were areas where we needed to upgrade our tech stack but it actually didn't our tech stack but it actually didn't our tech stack but it actually didn't cost anything because Tiny Seed has all cost anything because Tiny Seed has all cost anything because Tiny Seed has all these perks and benefits for portfolio these perks and benefits for portfolio these perks and benefits for portfolio companies. So um yeah, there were companies. So um yeah, there were companies. So um yeah, there were actually things that on paper should actually things that on paper should actually things that on paper should have cost us money but we but ended up have cost us money but we but ended up have cost us money but we but ended up being free that I was expecting we would being free that I was expecting we would being free that I was expecting we would have to spend the money on. So it was have to spend the money on. So it was have to spend the money on. So it was kind of funny how that worked out. kind of funny how that worked out. kind of funny how that worked out. Definitely the tiny seed mentor sessions Definitely the tiny seed mentor sessions Definitely the tiny seed mentor sessions and community helped me with allocating and community helped me with allocating and community helped me with allocating that capital for sure. I mean broadly it that capital for sure. I mean broadly it that capital for sure. I mean broadly it was like hire people, invest in some of was like hire people, invest in some of was like hire people, invest in some of these compliance things for sure. Um but these compliance things for sure. Um but these compliance things for sure. Um but then there's also smaller things. I then there's also smaller things. I then there's also smaller things. I think what's tricky about being a think what's tricky about being a think what's tricky about being a bootstrap founder is that there's bootstrap founder is that there's bootstrap founder is that there's actually not a lot of great advice for actually not a lot of great advice for actually not a lot of great advice for you out there. I mean, sure, there's you out there. I mean, sure, there's you out there. I mean, sure, there's microcom and there are some different microcom and there are some different microcom and there are some different places online where you can find some places online where you can find some places online where you can find some things, but just in general, most of the things, but just in general, most of the things, but just in general, most of the advice is indie hackers where, you know, advice is indie hackers where, you know, advice is indie hackers where, you know, they're just trying to like piece they're just trying to like piece they're just trying to like piece together a bunch of apps or build things together a bunch of apps or build things together a bunch of apps or build things that are like five bucks a month or that are like five bucks a month or that are like five bucks a month or you've got these ventureback companies you've got these ventureback companies you've got these ventureback companies that have raised a ton of money. So, that have raised a ton of money. So, that have raised a ton of money. So, there is this weird gap of knowledge, there is this weird gap of knowledge, there is this weird gap of knowledge, but unless you're listening to startups, but unless you're listening to startups, but unless you're listening to startups, the rest of us and micro, like you're the rest of us and micro, like you're the rest of us and micro, like you're just not going to get a lot of it. And just not going to get a lot of it. And just not going to get a lot of it. And as great as those things are and I as great as those things are and I as great as those things are and I consume them both religiously like

consume them both religiously like consume them both religiously like sometimes it's helpful to just talk to a sometimes it's helpful to just talk to a sometimes it's helpful to just talk to a panel of you know a couple hundred panel of you know a couple hundred panel of you know a couple hundred people who are doing it and just get people who are doing it and just get people who are doing it and just get like a bunch of other ideas um because like a bunch of other ideas um because like a bunch of other ideas um because just people are going through it right just people are going through it right just people are going through it right now and they're in that same company now and they're in that same company now and they're in that same company size. So definitely the community helped size. So definitely the community helped size. So definitely the community helped me with spending money but I would say me with spending money but I would say me with spending money but I would say more so um spending time of like dude more so um spending time of like dude more so um spending time of like dude don't worry about that don't worry about that don't worry about that >> or yeah yeah yeah you should be focused >> or yeah yeah yeah you should be focused >> or yeah yeah yeah you should be focused on that. What are you doing with pricing on that. What are you doing with pricing on that. What are you doing with pricing there? That's weird the way you just there? That's weird the way you just there? That's weird the way you just said you're doing pricing. should think said you're doing pricing. should think said you're doing pricing. should think about that. Um, about that. Um, about that. Um, >> you know, so I I think that that was >> you know, so I I think that that was >> you know, so I I think that that was maybe more of the like even more maybe more of the like even more maybe more of the like even more valuable was just like attention and valuable was just like attention and valuable was just like attention and time and yo yeah, think about this or time and yo yeah, think about this or time and yo yeah, think about this or don't think about this. don't think about this. don't think about this. >> You joined our spring 2024 cohort and >> You joined our spring 2024 cohort and >> You joined our spring 2024 cohort and from a founders's perspective, what did from a founders's perspective, what did from a founders's perspective, what did the first few weeks of the program look the first few weeks of the program look the first few weeks of the program look like? like? like? >> Well, the first week was huge because we >> Well, the first week was huge because we >> Well, the first week was huge because we met up with our cohort. Everyone got met up with our cohort. Everyone got met up with our cohort. Everyone got together. when I decided to go all in on together. when I decided to go all in on together. when I decided to go all in on my SAS and shut down my actual agency, my SAS and shut down my actual agency, my SAS and shut down my actual agency, quite a few friends who ran agencies quite a few friends who ran agencies quite a few friends who ran agencies reached out to me and said that they had reached out to me and said that they had reached out to me and said that they had been curious about what I've been been curious about what I've been been curious about what I've been building and now that I wasn't a direct building and now that I wasn't a direct building and now that I wasn't a direct competitor with them anymore, they competitor with them anymore, they competitor with them anymore, they wanted to try it out for some clients of wanted to try it out for some clients of wanted to try it out for some clients of theirs. And so, I mean, I'll always theirs. And so, I mean, I'll always theirs. And so, I mean, I'll always remember Andy Kim from Trotto and my remember Andy Kim from Trotto and my remember Andy Kim from Trotto and my cohort, he helped me flesh out the idea cohort, he helped me flesh out the idea cohort, he helped me flesh out the idea for what would become our partner for what would become our partner for what would become our partner program. And that became that's the program. And that became that's the program. And that became that's the majority of our business right now, and majority of our business right now, and majority of our business right now, and it's a huge part of our growth. So, I it's a huge part of our growth. So, I it's a huge part of our growth. So, I mean that that one 30 minute mean that that one 30 minute mean that that one 30 minute conversation before breakfast was like conversation before breakfast was like conversation before breakfast was like worth the price of admission, but that worth the price of admission, but that worth the price of admission, but that alone I think really changed the alone I think really changed the alone I think really changed the trajectory of the business. But it was trajectory of the business. But it was trajectory of the business. But it was just learning the basics of how's this just learning the basics of how's this just learning the basics of how's this thing supposed to operate. I'm making thing supposed to operate. I'm making thing supposed to operate. I'm making the money in a SAS way. I'm using the money in a SAS way. I'm using the money in a SAS way. I'm using Stripe. I've got customers that are Stripe. I've got customers that are Stripe. I've got customers that are signing up for a software product, but signing up for a software product, but signing up for a software product, but there's so many other things about

there's so many other things about there's so many other things about running a software company that I just running a software company that I just running a software company that I just had never done before. And so, it was had never done before. And so, it was had never done before. And so, it was just figuring out what those things are just figuring out what those things are just figuring out what those things are and and just being okay with some parts and and just being okay with some parts and and just being okay with some parts of the business were really just not of the business were really just not of the business were really just not there yet. and that that was okay and there yet. and that that was okay and there yet. and that that was okay and just sort of getting a license to just just sort of getting a license to just just sort of getting a license to just say leave that alone for a second. You say leave that alone for a second. You say leave that alone for a second. You can worry about it later when you have can worry about it later when you have can worry about it later when you have enough money to pay to fix that. enough money to pay to fix that. enough money to pay to fix that. >> And so it sounds like you got a lot from >> And so it sounds like you got a lot from >> And so it sounds like you got a lot from the Inerson retreat. And then once you the Inerson retreat. And then once you the Inerson retreat. And then once you were back home from that, you started were back home from that, you started were back home from that, you started joining our Tiny Seed playbook calls and joining our Tiny Seed playbook calls and joining our Tiny Seed playbook calls and our mentor sessions. Does that extra our mentor sessions. Does that extra our mentor sessions. Does that extra structure actually help or did it feel structure actually help or did it feel structure actually help or did it feel like extra work? the value of the like extra work? the value of the like extra work? the value of the structured program with Tiny Seed. I structured program with Tiny Seed. I structured program with Tiny Seed. I think it was just looking at every part think it was just looking at every part think it was just looking at every part of the business. You know, it's like of the business. You know, it's like of the business. You know, it's like you're cleaning the house and it just you're cleaning the house and it just you're cleaning the house and it just makes you go into every room and one makes you go into every room and one makes you go into every room and one room is fine and you don't need to do a room is fine and you don't need to do a room is fine and you don't need to do a lot of work there and it's no big deal, lot of work there and it's no big deal, lot of work there and it's no big deal, but it's just like worth just but it's just like worth just but it's just like worth just double-checking and making sure that you double-checking and making sure that you double-checking and making sure that you cleaned it in the first place kind of cleaned it in the first place kind of cleaned it in the first place kind of thing. You're like, "Oh, I forgot to thing. You're like, "Oh, I forgot to thing. You're like, "Oh, I forgot to make the bed, make the bed, and then I make the bed, make the bed, and then I make the bed, make the bed, and then I move on." So, that's what it felt like. move on." So, that's what it felt like. move on." So, that's what it felt like. It felt like the structure of the It felt like the structure of the It felt like the structure of the program just took me through the program just took me through the program just took me through the different parts of the business. Some different parts of the business. Some different parts of the business. Some areas needed a lot of work, others we areas needed a lot of work, others we areas needed a lot of work, others we were in a pretty good spot. But I feel were in a pretty good spot. But I feel were in a pretty good spot. But I feel like sometimes you kind of have to have like sometimes you kind of have to have like sometimes you kind of have to have that like forcing function to look that like forcing function to look that like forcing function to look across the whole company. And then other across the whole company. And then other across the whole company. And then other areas I haven't even really still areas I haven't even really still areas I haven't even really still haven't applied the playbook yet because haven't applied the playbook yet because haven't applied the playbook yet because we're growing into that, you know, and we're growing into that, you know, and we're growing into that, you know, and some of these things I'm still doing some of these things I'm still doing some of these things I'm still doing myself that hopefully one day I won't myself that hopefully one day I won't myself that hopefully one day I won't be. And to give listeners an idea, we be. And to give listeners an idea, we be. And to give listeners an idea, we have eight playbooks that cover mindset, have eight playbooks that cover mindset, have eight playbooks that cover mindset, marketing funnels, pricing, sales, marketing funnels, pricing, sales, marketing funnels, pricing, sales, marketing, team and hiring, M&A and

marketing, team and hiring, M&A and marketing, team and hiring, M&A and fundraising, and burn rate. Were there fundraising, and burn rate. Were there fundraising, and burn rate. Were there any specific playbooks that you felt any specific playbooks that you felt any specific playbooks that you felt were especially useful for you? were especially useful for you? were especially useful for you? >> Hiring, no question. I needed help. And >> Hiring, no question. I needed help. And >> Hiring, no question. I needed help. And I it wasn't really clear to me at the I it wasn't really clear to me at the I it wasn't really clear to me at the time, but we needed more engineering time, but we needed more engineering time, but we needed more engineering hours and we needed customer success and hours and we needed customer success and hours and we needed customer success and and those weren't things that I was and those weren't things that I was and those weren't things that I was thinking about necessarily going into thinking about necessarily going into thinking about necessarily going into it. Frankly, I had not been very it. Frankly, I had not been very it. Frankly, I had not been very successful hiring people in the past successful hiring people in the past successful hiring people in the past running my agency. I had had some good running my agency. I had had some good running my agency. I had had some good people who I like really enjoyed working people who I like really enjoyed working people who I like really enjoyed working with, but I also had a lot of misses. with, but I also had a lot of misses. with, but I also had a lot of misses. So, being able to just see how, you So, being able to just see how, you So, being able to just see how, you know, 200 companies have done it before, know, 200 companies have done it before, know, 200 companies have done it before, it's like, look, work with this it's like, look, work with this it's like, look, work with this recruiter. here's like five example job recruiter. here's like five example job recruiter. here's like five example job descriptions that other tiny C companies descriptions that other tiny C companies descriptions that other tiny C companies have done for customer success. Read have done for customer success. Read have done for customer success. Read them. Do your own twist on it. And you them. Do your own twist on it. And you them. Do your own twist on it. And you know that person has been incredibly know that person has been incredibly know that person has been incredibly effective contributor to the team. And effective contributor to the team. And effective contributor to the team. And then you know other conversations I then you know other conversations I then you know other conversations I remember we were at a table and you know remember we were at a table and you know remember we were at a table and you know we're talking about developer we're talking about developer we're talking about developer productivity and output and it was just productivity and output and it was just productivity and output and it was just like man they're not working anywhere like man they're not working anywhere like man they're not working anywhere near enough hours. They are split still near enough hours. They are split still near enough hours. They are split still split between other projects. Like this split between other projects. Like this split between other projects. Like this is a no-brainer. Bump them up to is a no-brainer. Bump them up to is a no-brainer. Bump them up to full-time. like get this thing, you full-time. like get this thing, you full-time. like get this thing, you know, get people fully focused on what know, get people fully focused on what know, get people fully focused on what you're doing. And there was just things you're doing. And there was just things you're doing. And there was just things that were really obvious to people in that were really obvious to people in that were really obvious to people in the room and to you and obvious in the the room and to you and obvious in the the room and to you and obvious in the playbooks that I just didn't um you playbooks that I just didn't um you playbooks that I just didn't um you know, I just had total blind spots on.

know, I just had total blind spots on. know, I just had total blind spots on. So, yeah, the hiring one was a So, yeah, the hiring one was a So, yeah, the hiring one was a no-brainer and that I feel like set no-brainer and that I feel like set no-brainer and that I feel like set things in motion that had that basically things in motion that had that basically things in motion that had that basically made every has made everything else work made every has made everything else work made every has made everything else work since we joined. since we joined. since we joined. >> Was there anything you didn't get from >> Was there anything you didn't get from >> Was there anything you didn't get from the Tiny Seed program that you thought the Tiny Seed program that you thought the Tiny Seed program that you thought you would? you would? you would? >> I mean, honestly, this is kind of >> I mean, honestly, this is kind of >> I mean, honestly, this is kind of cheesy, but tiny seed is literally what cheesy, but tiny seed is literally what cheesy, but tiny seed is literally what it says on the tin. Like if you read the it says on the tin. Like if you read the it says on the tin. Like if you read the website website website and you read the FAQ, that is what it and you read the FAQ, that is what it and you read the FAQ, that is what it is. I don't I I can't think of like a is. I don't I I can't think of like a is. I don't I I can't think of like a higher higher praise to give about like higher higher praise to give about like higher higher praise to give about like someone's marketing than it is entirely someone's marketing than it is entirely someone's marketing than it is entirely truthful. But my expectations were now truthful. But my expectations were now truthful. But my expectations were now I've been listening to, you know, I've been listening to, you know, I've been listening to, you know, reading your work for a long time. So I reading your work for a long time. So I reading your work for a long time. So I felt like I had a sense of what I was felt like I had a sense of what I was felt like I had a sense of what I was getting into. But still, Tiny Seed is a getting into. But still, Tiny Seed is a getting into. But still, Tiny Seed is a a specific implementation or it's a a specific implementation or it's a a specific implementation or it's a specific idea. And it has totally been specific idea. And it has totally been specific idea. And it has totally been my experience. There has not been this my experience. There has not been this my experience. There has not been this pressure to grow at all costs. There has pressure to grow at all costs. There has pressure to grow at all costs. There has not been really, you know, invasive not been really, you know, invasive not been really, you know, invasive needling and questioning and challenging needling and questioning and challenging needling and questioning and challenging our strategy and, you know, pushing to our strategy and, you know, pushing to our strategy and, you know, pushing to do these wild things. But I will say one do these wild things. But I will say one do these wild things. But I will say one thing that has been maybe demonstrated thing that has been maybe demonstrated thing that has been maybe demonstrated more than I would have guessed or has more than I would have guessed or has more than I would have guessed or has come up more than I would have guessed come up more than I would have guessed come up more than I would have guessed is the optionality is the optionality is the optionality >> concept. Like I really think that is >> concept. Like I really think that is >> concept. Like I really think that is like infused into how tiny seed operates like infused into how tiny seed operates like infused into how tiny seed operates as an accelerator but how the team as an accelerator but how the team as an accelerator but how the team operates and all that. You really do operates and all that. You really do operates and all that. You really do hear people talking about ideas around hear people talking about ideas around hear people talking about ideas around raising more money or you know exit raising more money or you know exit raising more money or you know exit options for them. You know it really options for them. You know it really options for them. You know it really feels like everyone is trying to build feels like everyone is trying to build feels like everyone is trying to build businesses and businesses can have many businesses and businesses can have many businesses and businesses can have many outcomes and businesses can have many

outcomes and businesses can have many outcomes and businesses can have many transformative events. It does not feel transformative events. It does not feel transformative events. It does not feel like everyone is trying to pursue the like everyone is trying to pursue the like everyone is trying to pursue the same exact goal of hitting the same same exact goal of hitting the same same exact goal of hitting the same exact MR in the same exact way. And so exact MR in the same exact way. And so exact MR in the same exact way. And so that has surprised me a little bit. The that has surprised me a little bit. The that has surprised me a little bit. The like variety of decisions that founders like variety of decisions that founders like variety of decisions that founders are making and um and how agnostic tiny are making and um and how agnostic tiny are making and um and how agnostic tiny seed itself is about that is I didn't seed itself is about that is I didn't seed itself is about that is I didn't expect differently but the number of expect differently but the number of expect differently but the number of different situations that come up. You different situations that come up. You different situations that come up. You sort of can't anticipate that because sort of can't anticipate that because sort of can't anticipate that because when you're so early and you're just when you're so early and you're just when you're so early and you're just trying to build something and hoping trying to build something and hoping trying to build something and hoping like anybody cares, these different like anybody cares, these different like anybody cares, these different things don't come up at that time. Yeah. things don't come up at that time. Yeah. things don't come up at that time. Yeah. Yeah, but then you grow and then you Yeah, but then you grow and then you Yeah, but then you grow and then you know somebody gets a nasty gram from an know somebody gets a nasty gram from an know somebody gets a nasty gram from an attorney or somebody's something happens attorney or somebody's something happens attorney or somebody's something happens with an employee or a contractor or an with an employee or a contractor or an with an employee or a contractor or an exciting growth thing comes up and just exciting growth thing comes up and just exciting growth thing comes up and just like there's just so much that can like there's just so much that can like there's just so much that can happen and I think that the the happen and I think that the the happen and I think that the the flexibility and the sort of steady hand flexibility and the sort of steady hand flexibility and the sort of steady hand from Tiny Seed through all those things from Tiny Seed through all those things from Tiny Seed through all those things is has been interesting and I didn't is has been interesting and I didn't is has been interesting and I didn't know to expect it. I guess know to expect it. I guess know to expect it. I guess >> I didn't even think about all the like >> I didn't even think about all the like >> I didn't even think about all the like things that could go right or could go things that could go right or could go things that could go right or could go wrong because I was just literally just wrong because I was just literally just wrong because I was just literally just trying to like pay my bills and get trying to like pay my bills and get trying to like pay my bills and get anybody to care about what I'm making anybody to care about what I'm making anybody to care about what I'm making building. Yeah. Well, I I appreciate building. Yeah. Well, I I appreciate building. Yeah. Well, I I appreciate that because my co-founder and I put a that because my co-founder and I put a that because my co-founder and I put a lot of thought into that this word lot of thought into that this word lot of thought into that this word optionality that you said. And so, if optionality that you said. And so, if optionality that you said. And so, if someone's watching this and they're someone's watching this and they're someone's watching this and they're thinking like, "What does that even thinking like, "What does that even thinking like, "What does that even mean?" I want to let people know like mean?" I want to let people know like mean?" I want to let people know like there are a lot of tiny seed companies there are a lot of tiny seed companies there are a lot of tiny seed companies that never raise another dime of funding that never raise another dime of funding that never raise another dime of funding after tiny seed. There are a bunch of after tiny seed. There are a bunch of after tiny seed. There are a bunch of tiny seed companies that raise 100 to tiny seed companies that raise 100 to tiny seed companies that raise 100 to 500,000 from angels and from our 500,000 from angels and from our 500,000 from angels and from our syndicate and from other places. And syndicate and from other places. And syndicate and from other places. And then we have tiny seed companies raising then we have tiny seed companies raising then we have tiny seed companies raising series A's that that have raised six 101 series A's that that have raised six 101 series A's that that have raised six 101 13 million right so that's that's what

13 million right so that's that's what 13 million right so that's that's what optionality is right once you take optionality is right once you take optionality is right once you take venture you leave some options on the venture you leave some options on the venture you leave some options on the table and uh once you go down certain table and uh once you go down certain table and uh once you go down certain paths you can you know they're often paths you can you know they're often paths you can you know they're often oneway doors and we've tried to make oneway doors and we've tried to make oneway doors and we've tried to make tiny seed not that right we've tried to tiny seed not that right we've tried to tiny seed not that right we've tried to make tiny seed give you uh a lot of make tiny seed give you uh a lot of make tiny seed give you uh a lot of flexibility into what you can do because flexibility into what you can do because flexibility into what you can do because you hinted at it but when you're first you hinted at it but when you're first you hinted at it but when you're first building a company you kind you often building a company you kind you often building a company you kind you often don't know how big it can get. You may don't know how big it can get. You may don't know how big it can get. You may think it's a bootstrapped business and think it's a bootstrapped business and think it's a bootstrapped business and then you may suddenly realize, oh my then you may suddenly realize, oh my then you may suddenly realize, oh my gosh, we hit 2 million ARR in 18 months. gosh, we hit 2 million ARR in 18 months. gosh, we hit 2 million ARR in 18 months. Didn't think that was going to happen. Didn't think that was going to happen. Didn't think that was going to happen. Now suddenly, do you sell it for Now suddenly, do you sell it for Now suddenly, do you sell it for life-changing money, never have to work life-changing money, never have to work life-changing money, never have to work again? Or at that point, do you raise again? Or at that point, do you raise again? Or at that point, do you raise more to to take another bite? And we more to to take another bite? And we more to to take another bite? And we never wanted our terms to interfere with never wanted our terms to interfere with never wanted our terms to interfere with any of those options. any of those options. any of those options. >> I mean, one thing I'll say too is like >> I mean, one thing I'll say too is like >> I mean, one thing I'll say too is like perception matters. So, like when I told perception matters. So, like when I told perception matters. So, like when I told our customers and our partners that we our customers and our partners that we our customers and our partners that we were joining, people were like, "Cool, were joining, people were like, "Cool, were joining, people were like, "Cool, it's awesome." But I've seen other it's awesome." But I've seen other it's awesome." But I've seen other companies in our space do like other companies in our space do like other companies in our space do like other financing things, really aggressive financing things, really aggressive financing things, really aggressive financing things. And I've like seen financing things. And I've like seen financing things. And I've like seen people in different group chats, things people in different group chats, things people in different group chats, things like that be like, "Oh gosh, here we go.

like that be like, "Oh gosh, here we go. like that be like, "Oh gosh, here we go. >> What's this going to do out going to >> What's this going to do out going to >> What's this going to do out going to raise prices?" Yeah. So, I feel like, raise prices?" Yeah. So, I feel like, raise prices?" Yeah. So, I feel like, you know, it it's it's just enough you know, it it's it's just enough you know, it it's it's just enough funding to open up doors or extend funding to open up doors or extend funding to open up doors or extend runway, but it also doesn't it it runway, but it also doesn't it it runway, but it also doesn't it it doesn't have like negative ramifications doesn't have like negative ramifications doesn't have like negative ramifications externally to the company. It's like, externally to the company. It's like, externally to the company. It's like, oh, that's like a really modest amount oh, that's like a really modest amount oh, that's like a really modest amount of money and it looks get some great of money and it looks get some great of money and it looks get some great advice and oh, I actually recognize a advice and oh, I actually recognize a advice and oh, I actually recognize a few of those companies I've invested in. few of those companies I've invested in. few of those companies I've invested in. Cool. Like, so there was really no harm Cool. Like, so there was really no harm Cool. Like, so there was really no harm from that perspective where I have seen from that perspective where I have seen from that perspective where I have seen companies make financing decisions that companies make financing decisions that companies make financing decisions that there is harm. There is like brand there is harm. There is like brand there is harm. There is like brand reputational like concern. people say, reputational like concern. people say, reputational like concern. people say, "Oh, h okay. Well, like like I'm I'm "Oh, h okay. Well, like like I'm I'm "Oh, h okay. Well, like like I'm I'm where's that going to leave me? Am I the where's that going to leave me? Am I the where's that going to leave me? Am I the right customer that for them anymore?" right customer that for them anymore?" right customer that for them anymore?" Um, so anyway, that's like a really Um, so anyway, that's like a really Um, so anyway, that's like a really nuanced subtle thing, but like I really nuanced subtle thing, but like I really nuanced subtle thing, but like I really care about what we're building and you care about what we're building and you care about what we're building and you know, actually really love our customers know, actually really love our customers know, actually really love our customers and consider them friends, personal and consider them friends, personal and consider them friends, personal friends. And so I do think those little friends. And so I do think those little friends. And so I do think those little things on the margin matter. And I I do things on the margin matter. And I I do things on the margin matter. And I I do think the tiny seat is beneficial in think the tiny seat is beneficial in think the tiny seat is beneficial in that way, which, you know, if someone's that way, which, you know, if someone's that way, which, you know, if someone's thinking about this and they're really thinking about this and they're really thinking about this and they're really on the fence, that that would be maybe on the fence, that that would be maybe on the fence, that that would be maybe something to think about. In a minute, something to think about. In a minute, something to think about. In a minute, we'll get to the advice Harris wishes he we'll get to the advice Harris wishes he we'll get to the advice Harris wishes he would have heard before he applied to would have heard before he applied to would have heard before he applied to Tiny Seed. But first, I wanted to let Tiny Seed. But first, I wanted to let Tiny Seed. But first, I wanted to let you know that applications for Tiny Seed you know that applications for Tiny Seed you know that applications for Tiny Seed are now open. If you're an ambitious are now open. If you're an ambitious are now open. If you're an ambitious early stage founder with B2B SAS doing early stage founder with B2B SAS doing early stage founder with B2B SAS doing at least $1,000 in MR, you should at least $1,000 in MR, you should at least $1,000 in MR, you should consider applying to Tiny Seed. As consider applying to Tiny Seed. As consider applying to Tiny Seed. As you've hopefully heard in this interview you've hopefully heard in this interview you've hopefully heard in this interview with Harris, you'll get the right amount with Harris, you'll get the right amount with Harris, you'll get the right amount of funding, join an incredible network of funding, join an incredible network of funding, join an incredible network of like-minded founders like Harris, and of like-minded founders like Harris, and of like-minded founders like Harris, and get access to worldclass mentors to help get access to worldclass mentors to help get access to worldclass mentors to help you grow your SAS into a life-changing you grow your SAS into a life-changing you grow your SAS into a life-changing business. To get all the details, head business. To get all the details, head business. To get all the details, head to tiny seed.com/apply.

to tiny seed.com/apply. to tiny seed.com/apply. Applications are open until September Applications are open until September Applications are open until September 9th of 2025. But if you're watching this 9th of 2025. But if you're watching this 9th of 2025. But if you're watching this video after then, sign up for our email video after then, sign up for our email video after then, sign up for our email list to get notified when applications list to get notified when applications list to get notified when applications open next time. All right, let's get to open next time. All right, let's get to open next time. All right, let's get to the advice Harris has for other the advice Harris has for other the advice Harris has for other founders. Do you have any advice that founders. Do you have any advice that founders. Do you have any advice that you'd give someone who's applying now you'd give someone who's applying now you'd give someone who's applying now that maybe you wished you'd heard back that maybe you wished you'd heard back that maybe you wished you'd heard back then? then? then? >> Something that I read from Tiny Seed, >> Something that I read from Tiny Seed, >> Something that I read from Tiny Seed, documents, things like that, but I I documents, things like that, but I I documents, things like that, but I I probably didn't take seriously enough probably didn't take seriously enough probably didn't take seriously enough was the encouragement to just apply. was the encouragement to just apply. was the encouragement to just apply. If you're not sure, if you're on the If you're not sure, if you're on the If you're not sure, if you're on the fence, there's not it's not going to be fence, there's not it's not going to be fence, there's not it's not going to be held against you. If you if you think held against you. If you if you think held against you. If you if you think you're building the kind of business you're building the kind of business you're building the kind of business Tiny Seed might be interested in, you Tiny Seed might be interested in, you Tiny Seed might be interested in, you should apply. Now, fortunately, I had should apply. Now, fortunately, I had should apply. Now, fortunately, I had some additional people who encouraged me some additional people who encouraged me some additional people who encouraged me to apply that didn't work for Tiny Seed to apply that didn't work for Tiny Seed to apply that didn't work for Tiny Seed itself who were like, "No, they they itself who were like, "No, they they itself who were like, "No, they they actually really mean that. You really actually really mean that. You really actually really mean that. You really should apply." should apply." should apply." >> Um, but I would say that is not just >> Um, but I would say that is not just >> Um, but I would say that is not just window dressing. Like, they really mean window dressing. Like, they really mean window dressing. Like, they really mean it. Like, send the application in. It's it. Like, send the application in. It's it. Like, send the application in. It's there's not there's no harm. It there's not there's no harm. It there's not there's no harm. It shouldn't take that long to fill out. shouldn't take that long to fill out. shouldn't take that long to fill out. And if it does, then pause and reflect And if it does, then pause and reflect And if it does, then pause and reflect on that because it's a pretty on that because it's a pretty on that because it's a pretty straightforward application. And yeah, I straightforward application. And yeah, I straightforward application. And yeah, I would say I benefited. I was lucky that would say I benefited. I was lucky that would say I benefited. I was lucky that people told me that. I didn't believe it people told me that. I didn't believe it people told me that. I didn't believe it the first time. So, I was lucky that the first time. So, I was lucky that the first time. So, I was lucky that extra people told me and so that I did extra people told me and so that I did extra people told me and so that I did choose to apply anyway. Um, so maybe I choose to apply anyway. Um, so maybe I choose to apply anyway. Um, so maybe I will be that extra person for you. You will be that extra person for you. You will be that extra person for you. You should apply and uh a bunch of people should apply and uh a bunch of people should apply and uh a bunch of people apply multiple times and then get in apply multiple times and then get in apply multiple times and then get in later. You know, there's there's nothing later. You know, there's there's nothing later. You know, there's there's nothing there's no harm from it basically. And there's no harm from it basically. And there's no harm from it basically. And it it might only just open doors for it it might only just open doors for it it might only just open doors for you. If you want the full story of you. If you want the full story of you. If you want the full story of Harris's journey, you have to check out Harris's journey, you have to check out Harris's journey, you have to check out this season of Tiny Seed Tales, rolling this season of Tiny Seed Tales, rolling this season of Tiny Seed Tales, rolling out right now on the Startups for the out right now on the Startups for the out right now on the Startups for the Rest of Us podcast feed. For the past Rest of Us podcast feed. For the past Rest of Us podcast feed. For the past year, I've been catching up with Harris

year, I've been catching up with Harris year, I've been catching up with Harris every couple of months, following his every couple of months, following his every couple of months, following his progress in real time. And what you've progress in real time. And what you've progress in real time. And what you've seen in this video is just a snapshot. seen in this video is just a snapshot. seen in this video is just a snapshot. Harris has been incredibly candid, Harris has been incredibly candid, Harris has been incredibly candid, sharing his numbers, his challenges, and sharing his numbers, his challenges, and sharing his numbers, his challenges, and the unfiltered realities of running an the unfiltered realities of running an the unfiltered realities of running an early stage SAS. So, make sure you early stage SAS. So, make sure you early stage SAS. So, make sure you subscribe to Startups for the Rest of Us subscribe to Startups for the Rest of Us subscribe to Startups for the Rest of Us in your favorite podcast player, or hit in your favorite podcast player, or hit in your favorite podcast player, or hit the link in the description to start the link in the description to start the link in the description to start listening. After investing in more than listening. After investing in more than listening. After investing in more than 200 B2B SAS companies, we've spotted 200 B2B SAS companies, we've spotted 200 B2B SAS companies, we've spotted clear patterns in what sets the standout clear patterns in what sets the standout clear patterns in what sets the standout founders and businesses apart. In this founders and businesses apart. In this founders and businesses apart. In this next video, I'll walk you through those next video, I'll walk you through those next video, I'll walk you through those lessons. And in lesson number two, lessons. And in lesson number two, lessons. And in lesson number two, you'll hear why Harris wasn't exactly a you'll hear why Harris wasn't exactly a you'll hear why Harris wasn't exactly a guaranteed pick for the program. Thanks guaranteed pick for the program. Thanks guaranteed pick for the program. Thanks for watching. We'll see you next time.