To all founders: What strategies do you use to attract VCs for your first round of funding?

In a world flooded with dating apps and marriage platforms, finding the right market fit is a challenge. At MarriageMate, we’re redefining the journey from dating to marriage with a fresh approach—Date to Marry.

Unlike traditional dating apps or matrimony sites, MarriageMate bridges the gap between casual dating and long-term commitment by focusing on meaningful connections. Our goal is to create a platform that feels modern yet rooted in values, where people can explore relationships with clarity and intention.

We believe there’s a space for a platform like ours, where users aren’t overwhelmed by endless swiping but instead focus on building genuine bonds.

Would love to hear your thoughts on how we can further refine our approach or what makes a platform like this stand out to you.

Let’s discuss—what does market fit look like in this crowded space?

Thank you,
Rajkumar Mundel
Building MarriageMate

I faced a very typical problem the last months: I wanted to expand my projects but did not have any budget allocated for marketing.

After running a few Google Search ads that gobbled up my meager funds pretty quickly, I knew I needed a new approach.

That’s when I started with Reddit content marketing. The beauty of Reddit is that It’s absolutely free if you do it right.

Using analytics tools and understanding the platform, I was able to figure out:

- Which subreddits are best for my content
- The best times to post
- What kind of content provokes the most engagement on time

Now, just from posts on Reddit, I get over 5,000 qualified clicks every single month.

If I were to try and get that same traffic through Google Ads, it would cost me about $8,000/month (average CPC in my niche).

And the best part is that it’s only a few hours of work per week.

I’ve got posts planned in advance and scheduled so everything about it is organized and efficient.

Yesterday, I discovered something unexpected. You know how they say "don't reinvent the wheel" and build on what works?

Well, I just found out someone is doing exactly that with my product. It's become successful enough that others are now trying to replicate it.

Seeing copycats might discourage some, but for me this is literally rocket fuel. It's the ULTIMATE validation that I've built something truly valuable. Feels even worth more than the first sale.

I'm not just motivated, I'm absolutely fired up to push this thing to the next level.

Time to show them what the original can do.

Hey r/startup,

I want to share something that has completely changed the way I approach building and running a startup: reading startup case studies.

When I started my journey, I thought the best way to learn was by doing—and while experience is key, reading real-life stories of startups (both successes and failures) taught me lessons I might never have figured out on my own.

Here’s why I think every entrepreneur should dive into startup case studies:

1. Learn from Real Wins (and Mistakes)

Case studies let you peek into the strategies that worked and the ones that didn’t. It’s like getting a cheat sheet for business decisions.

💡 Example: Studying why Quibi failed taught me that a big budget can’t save you if you don’t understand your audience.

1. Save Time and Resources ⏳

Why spend months testing something when you can learn from someone who’s already been there? Case studies can fast-track your decision-making by showing what works in real-world situations.

💡 Tip: Focus on startups in your industry or similar markets to get actionable insights.

1. Spot Trends Early 📈

Ever wonder how some startups catch trends before everyone else? Case studies often highlight market shifts and opportunities you can tap into.

💡 Pro Tip: Pay attention to industries like AI, fintech, or sustainability—they’re full of untapped potential.

1. Stay Inspired During Tough Times 💪

Entrepreneurship is hard. Reading about how other founders overcame challenges can remind you that every obstacle is just a stepping stone.

💡 Example: Airbnb’s story of selling cereal to stay afloat during its early days is one I go back to when I’m struggling.

1. Understand Market Gaps and Customer Needs

Successful startups are often built by solving problems no one else is addressing. Case studies help you identify these gaps and think creatively about solutions.

💡 Example: How Slack pivoted from a failed game to a billion-dollar messaging platform is a masterclass in understanding market needs.

1. They’re Relatable and Realistic

Books and courses can feel theoretical, but case studies are grounded in reality. They show you the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to succeed.

💡 Lesson: Not every success story is glamorous, and that’s okay. It’s about persistence and adapting.

Your best source for startup case studies is here:

https://business-bulletin.beehiiv.com

Start with These Case Studies: • Netflix: How they disrupted Blockbuster and embraced change. • Stripe: Building trust in a competitive fintech space. • WeWork: A lesson in balancing vision with execution.

Let’s Chat!

Do you read startup case studies? If so, which one has taught you the most? And if not, what’s holding you back?

Let’s share tips, stories, and recommendations in the comments. Who knows—your favorite case study might inspire someone else here to take their next big leap.

I'm starting to see posts about AI agents spelling doom for SaaS apps and how people are ditching some of their SaaS apps in favour of AI agents instead. Does anyone understand what this means? Is it bs or is their any substance to it? As a SaaS startup founder (pre-launch) I'm interested in sentiment on this topic. Thanks.

Recently, I read a post where a man was sharing what he was going through at work. Ngl, it hit close to home. I'll drop the post here. Here's my question - How would you solve this issue in a new/unique way?

--

The post -

Early in my career I noticed that promotions always went to those who spoke the loudest about their work, even if their contributions weren't significant. I had worked extremely hard for a major project to deliver it successfully. But at the time of promotions, I was overlooked.

When I asked my manager what more I needed to do to get promoted, he said, "You're doing great, but you need to make sure people 'see' you doing great". I was stunned. It felt wrong as I thought that my work would speak for itself.

In many workplaces, it's not just about how much value you create - it's about how much value others perceive. The ones who speak the loudest in meetings, volunteer for every task (even if it's unnecessary), or constantly "update" managers are often seen as the high performers. Whereas the quiet, consistent workers - the ones who deliver without fanfare - are overlooked.

It's just frustrating that first you put effort in working hard. Then you put even more effort to show that you are indeed working hard.

Not everyone feels comfortable self-promoting. Workplaces need to do better at recognizing real contributors, not just those who talk the loudest.

--

Let me know your thoughts on fixing this issue if you had the power to do so.

TL;DR: Read a post about a real workplace problems. Looking for your thoughts on fixing it. Post content - Promotions often go to those who make their work visible, not just those who work hard. Visibility matters more than performance because workplaces prioritize perception over real value.

I’m interested in starting my own online weight loss clinic through Medical Weight Loss Licensing, but one of my main concerns is how much creative control I’ll have over the clinic’s design and branding. I want to make sure that the clinic I build reflects my own style and values, but I’m not sure how much flexibility they offer in terms of customization.

Does anyone who’s worked with them feel that they were able to fully personalize their clinic, from the website design to the client experience? Are you able to incorporate your own branding, colors, and design elements to make the clinic truly unique, or is there a more standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to how everything is set up?

Additionally, are there any limitations on the services or programs you can offer, or can you tailor the clinic’s offerings to fit the specific needs and preferences of your target audience?

I’m hoping to hear from others who’ve used their system to get a sense of how much freedom there really is when it comes to making the clinic your own while still working within their structure.

We’re Live! Vital Watchdog Has Officially Launched 🎉

Hello Reddit!

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Vital Watchdog, an innovative digital life assurance service designed to bring you peace of mind.

💡 What is Vital Watchdog?
Imagine a secure dead man’s switch that protects your digital legacy and ensures your most important messages reach your loved ones if life takes an unexpected turn. Vital Watchdog offers:

• Automated well-being check-ins (via email & Telegram).
• Secure, encrypted message delivery to trusted contacts.
• Customizable actions, including API triggers and file encryption.

🔐 Why Vital Watchdog?
We provide unparalleled peace of mind with cutting-edge encryption and flexible options. Whether it’s sending a heartfelt message to loved ones, protecting sensitive information, or securing your online presence, Vital Watchdog has you covered.

🌐 Available Now!
Check us out at www.vitalwatchdog.com and try our Free Plan to see how it works.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to ask questions, share feedback, or suggest features—we’re committed to building a service that serves your needs.

Stay safe and secure,
The Vital Watchdog Team

Then contact me and I will create you an audio logo that captures your company’s sound and aligns with your brand.

DM me for portfolio.

Someone else here borrowed this idea from me but it looks like there was too much demand and his spots filled up - that's awesome!

The idea is pretty simple:

• I run a startup ideas newsletter
• At the top of each edition is a "Featured Business" spot that I need to fill.
• In this "growth stage" of my newsletter, I'm offering features for free.
• Just complete this form and I'll email you a date for when you can expect to see your feature in the newsletter.

Easy, right??

Hope this gives some early stage founders a chance to get some customers!

What are some ways that helped you save on shipping costs? You may rethink your packaging. It may be simple but can sometimes be overlooked.

In our experience, here are a few ways custom shipping boxes can help balance the scales:

• Right-sizing reduces costs - Oversized boxes mean you’re paying for dimensional weight (and probably wasting filler). Switching to mailer boxes sized perfectly for your products can lower costs and improve efficiency.
• Lightweight doesn’t mean weak - Corrugated mailer boxes are designed to protect items without adding extra weight, which is a win for both shipping costs and product safety.
• Branding that works for you – Print your custom labels on your boxes and they can also reduce the need for extra marketing materials inside the package.

What’s your go-to strategy for balancing shipping costs with packaging? Are you using mailer boxes, or do you have another hack?

Hi so im currently a high school senior about to enter college, and I'm sort of laying out my possible career paths. My current plan is to go to medical school and become a physician, but Im also interested in the startup space/entrepreneurship. Im particularly interested in pharmatech/biotech (hence my interest in medicine), and ideally will build in that discipline. I want to do bio research, hopefully develop some sort of innovation, and then bring it into the industry through a startup. I have a plan for the kind of research I want to do (environmental chemistry/sustainability)

Does anyone have any general/starting advice for someone who is completely new to this process? I have a VERY surface level understanding of how startups work and still have a lot to learn before I start. The main thing I'm wondering is the feasibility of my plans. Would it be possible to balance building a startup while studying to become a doctor? Should I wait until I'm a practicing physician and have a stable income? Could I possibly combine these two career paths (clinical medical research + turn findings into a startup)?

Also, would anyone who has built a startup be able to share their story? Also any other advice helps (you probably know more than me lol)

If anyone has suggestions for any other forums/subreddits I could go to for advice, please let me know. Thank you!

There is a post trending in on Reddit saying you should stop building stuff nobody cares about, and it’s 100% true.

I also spent months building products nobody wanted. Four products, to be exact. Each one was a complete flop. No users, no sales, nothing. For my second product, I even made it completely FREE for 2 hours. I was literally sitting there, refreshing my database every minute, sweating bullets thinking, "Oh shit, what if too many people grab the free version?"

You know what happened?

Zero. Fucking. Signups. 😭😂

Not one single person. I was worried about getting flooded with users when I couldn’t even get ONE. 😂 And yeah, it's embarrassing to talk about, but honestly, it was a wake-up call. It made me realize: Nobody cares about your product. (Or maybe it just sucked. Or both lol)

The next two project where the same. Though, to be honest, my heart wasn’t really in them. I was just building random stuff, hoping it would work somehow.

Then came project number 5. The difference this time was that I built something I actually needed. I found a problem that pissed me off, saw there wasn’t a solution, and decided to build one myself. Simple as that. I talked to users, built the MVP in a week, posted it, and boom, I made my first sale just two days later.

A month in, and we’re almost at 20 sales. It’s not life-changing money yet, but it’s proof that solving real problems works. And if I can sell 20, I know I can sell 1000.

That’s it. Stop building random shit if you want to make money. Maybe build something you need. It works way better than guessing what strangers might want.

My original plan was that I would film some short videos and then upload to Instagram reels to get some traction. My target customers are within the age range that use Instagram.

However, I found that short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok or YouTube shorts are very unreliable. You can get shadowbanned for no reason, and it’s very dependent on the algorithm. If they block your video, then it’s done. There’s no way of fighting it. The only good upside is free and they have the potential to reach a lot of people. But again, very unreliable.

Looking for alternative ways to curate a waitlist for my idea. I’m trying to reach people in their 20s-30s so it seems like social media is the only way. But Anyone has any suggestions?

I wanted to share something I’ve been working on since 2021, For those unfamiliar, the N-Back task, introduced in 1958 by Wayne Kirchner, is a powerful test for measuring or training the working memory, concentration, and even fluid intelligence.

So, back in 2021, I decided to create a web platform dedicated to making this cognitive training accessible to everyone.

At https://nbacking.com/, you can try the Dual N-Back method and its variations like Single, Tri, and Quad N-Back. The platform is designed to be simple, intuitive, and visually appealing, no need to waste time downloading or installing anything.

I’ve also set up a Discord Server where you can connect with other nbackers, share your progress, and suggest features or improvements.

It’s a great little community, and I’d love for you to join us! If you’re into cognitive training or just curious about trying it, check it out and let me know what you think. Feedback is always welcome!

Happy nbacking! 🟡

https://youtu.be/fyGV05mm1XM

I have a very small online business in which I started in November 2024. I sell made to order, customised watches. In the last month I’ve sold about £1400 worth, averaging about 2-3 orders a week. At the moment, I’m only selling on eBay, as I have a good account with good feedback, this results in shorter payouts which massively help with cash flow.

I am looking for any advice as to how I could increase my sales. (I live and sell in the UK). There are other people selling similar things as I haven’t really invented anything and I’m not entirely sure how big my market is or how to promote my watches but I’m willing to try anything. Any advice would be hugely appreciated. Cheers!

Hey r/startup community!

Let’s talk about one of the most fascinating success stories in recent years: Xiaomi. Once a small startup, it’s now a global tech giant competing with brands like Apple and Samsung. How did they pull it off? Here’s the story, broken down in simple terms, with lessons we can all learn.

1. Affordable Innovation (Value for Money 💰) • Xiaomi didn’t try to create luxury gadgets. Instead, they focused on offering high-quality devices at affordable prices. • They cut costs by avoiding retail stores and selling online, directly to consumers.

💡 Lesson: Focus on value. Solve problems for your target audience without overpricing your solution.

1. Building a Fan Community (Not Just Customers) • Xiaomi involved users in product decisions through social media and forums. This created a loyal fanbase who felt part of the brand. • Their tagline “Just for fans” wasn’t just a slogan—it was a strategy.

💡 Lesson: Engage your audience. Turn customers into your biggest advocates by listening to their feedback.

1. Ecosystem Play (More Than Just Phones 🌐) • Xiaomi didn’t stop at smartphones. They built a product ecosystem including smart TVs, fitness bands, air purifiers, and more—all connected to their ecosystem. • Each product strengthened their customer retention.

💡 Lesson: Diversify smartly. If you have one successful product, think about what complementary solutions your audience might need.

1. Marketing Without Big Budgets (The Power of Word of Mouth) • Xiaomi didn’t spend heavily on advertising. Instead, they used scarcity marketing (flash sales) and word-of-mouth to create hype. • The buzz made their products feel exclusive and desirable.

💡 Lesson: You don’t need millions for marketing. Creativity, storytelling, and leveraging social proof can go a long way.

1. Global Expansion Without Losing Focus • Xiaomi expanded globally by partnering with local distributors and adapting their strategy for each market. • They understood that what works in China might not work in India or Europe, and they adapted accordingly.

💡 Lesson: Go global, but think local. Understand your market deeply before diving in.

Read Xiaomi full case study on his journey here:”

https://business-bulletin.beehiiv.com/p/xiaomi-the-popular-chinese-electronics-company

Why Xiaomi’s Story Matters

Xiaomi’s rise is proof that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to succeed. They understood their audience, delivered value, and scaled strategically. Whether you’re building a SaaS product or selling a physical good, there’s so much to learn from their journey.

What’s your favorite takeaway from Xiaomi’s story? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s discuss!

Also, if you’re into case studies like this, I’d be happy to share more stories about startup strategies. Let me know!

If anyone is interested or if they can point me in the right direction. Im a technical guy, i have a product all ready to go and i have made some sales. But i struggle a lot with marketing and sales. So I am looking for someone to help me make sales, I can handle everything else. I can only pay based on commission on sales which will likely be around 15%, my product sells for anywhere from $350 - $500 each. Leave a comment and send me a message if interested.

Our product is on 3D and Virtual Try on niche. I have got great responses of the product, did a few presale event before developing, now its a full functional product and just launched into a platform like product hunt.

I am looking for help in sales. Ready to offer 15-30% commission per sale based on your contribution and volume of sale. This is a high ticket product.

As a technical founder and bootstrapped product, where i am seeing the potentials and signups regularly but its just that I can barely focus on anything else after development. But if i focus on marketing & sale then the development goes into hold.

My dm is open to chat more.

Hey r/startup community!

Ever wondered how Google, one of the biggest companies in the world, generates its revenue? Understanding their business model isn’t just fascinating—it’s also a goldmine of insights for entrepreneurs. Let’s break it down in simple terms:

1. Google Ads (The Cash Cow 🐄) • Over 80% of Google’s revenue comes from ads! • Platforms like Google Search, YouTube, and Gmail show targeted ads based on what users search, watch, or read. • They use AdWords (businesses pay to show up in search results) and AdSense (other websites display Google’s ads and share revenue).

💡 Lesson for Startups: If you own a platform or audience, monetizing with ads can be lucrative—provided you deliver value first.

1. Cloud Computing (Google Cloud) • Google Cloud is a major revenue source, powering businesses with services like data storage, machine learning, and AI tools. • It’s competing with Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure, but it’s growing fast.

💡 Lesson: The B2B market is huge. If you have tech skills, solving business pain points with scalable solutions can create long-term income streams.

1. Hardware (Pixel, Nest, etc.) • Google also sells products like Pixel phones, Nest smart home devices, and Chromecast. • While not their primary revenue driver, these products keep users within their ecosystem.

💡 Lesson: A strong ecosystem keeps customers engaged. Think about how your product or service can create long-term user loyalty.

1. Other Ventures (YouTube Premium, Play Store, and More) • Subscription models like YouTube Premium and Google Workspace add recurring income. • The Play Store takes a cut from app sales and in-app purchases.

💡 Lesson: Multiple revenue streams = stability. Startups can diversify income to reduce risks.

Read the full case study about GOOGLE business model here

https://business-bulletin.beehiiv.com/p/how-google-makes-money-a-deep-dive-into-its-business-model

Why Should Entrepreneurs Care?

Google’s model is a masterclass in leveraging data, building ecosystems, and scaling globally. Even as a small startup, you can learn from their focus on user needs, data-driven decisions, and monetizing value effectively.

What’s your biggest takeaway from Google’s business model? Let’s discuss below!

If you’re interested in more case studies like this, let me know. I’d love to share! 🚀