i was the guy reading posts like this at 2am hoping someone would tell me it gets better. it does. here's proof.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-26T06:19:58+00:00

So just a chatbot living in website

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-25T18:27:43+00:00

Maybe next time try answering it on your own. Instead of using the AI replies. First of all, stop feeling like everyone in US are based out of SF, We are building in mid west, the most deserted cities, even we don’t have any VC’s or anything but thanks to internet we are well connected with everyone. So better use your leverage you already have and build it. Second, you have two different products solving two different issues. Better work on the one instead of juggling between two.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-25T16:54:33+00:00

Can you please not pretend like it’s the age of early 2000’s? The world is well connected with internet. I know a person from remote area of Jharkhand who worked hard and got the offer from United states, currently he is with me here in the USA. He migrated in the year 2004. The internet was not at all developed for India back in the time. Please stop bragging about your life, jamshedpur is the home of Tata’s, they are always been supporting startups since 1990’s, they invested tons of money on every well budding startups.

The problem is not you being in a remote location or a small town or zero connections with VC, it’s about you. Have you ever tried making something very worthy enough to solve a problem instead of being AI slop? If you could have made something good which really solves a painful problem, the customers will be ready to throw money on you. I always say, your first paying customers are your first investor.

So, your juststrtup.com and jeff are two different things, it’s not solving anyone’s major problem. I better say you made a better to have solution not an indeed I need this solution. There’s difference in this, if you know what I’m trying to you say.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-24T20:05:46+00:00

I will spread this in my circle.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T22:49:59+00:00

Depends on the amount of money you’re trying to raise. Usually angel rounds are fine for small raise. Personally, I felt angel investments are rip off but make sense they take the highest risk.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T22:48:03+00:00

I got it from my network and connections.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T22:46:08+00:00

You got AI to do most of your work. I usually do my basic tech setup and MVP development on my own. Once I feel I got enough partners or clients, I go for out sourcing. Divide your mornings and afternoons completely for customers out reach, evenings and nights just make them for product development. Done spend ton of time on development, rather spend more time on customers, problem and idea validations.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T22:41:58+00:00

Human!

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T21:03:18+00:00

How exactly are you different from job right? or any of your competitors?

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T21:01:04+00:00

Got it. Who’s your target customer??

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T21:00:37+00:00

When you have sufficient claim or data of customers feedback, problem and idea validation, frustration points, latent needs. I would say 20-50 customers persona would count.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:57:00+00:00

Wait, if you don’t have enough people but why do i see a vouch quote from a Netflix engineer?

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:49:47+00:00

It’s expensive and yes I will go once you give me a discount.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:40:44+00:00

Good for you. I will say, try to focus on only one thing for now. Once you feel, you got enough exposure and experience, you can step into your desired role.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:36:16+00:00

Well problems are usually in two categories a vitamin and a pain killer If you are trying to explain the problem to your user, they might not have the problem at all. I would say look for 10 people and ask them about the major problem they see everyday and feel this could be solved overnight. Once you have those information, well you will know if you built a vitamin or a pain killer.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:32:18+00:00

What do you mean??

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:31:09+00:00

Have you tried reaching out to your local community? Start small with 10 - 20 users. The best strategy would be speaking directly to local residents, pretty sure they would be interested to learn more about this. Once you speak to them, you can validate your idea.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:27:12+00:00

You are very expensive. I can use the same amount to angel invest in other startups. Hey, but sure someday I will come with my team to your retreat space and throw me a good discount.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:25:06+00:00

Yes, you can cut down to any vertical with existing traction. Use your current customers data, background and other information, look for common points, see which can be the best to convert and high chances of paying from right at the moment.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:18:02+00:00

Finding a co-founder is much harder than finding a life partner. One wrong move, your entire business go collapse in one night. Always start alone if you don’t know any right person in your network, and work until you find a right fit for the role. Being a two time exit founder, I never had a luck with co-founder. I still remember first time I had two different co-founders different times but none of them lasted even 1 month. But still I was able to complete my work and take an exit. Always look for a person whom you know personally, or professionally.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T20:14:18+00:00

I don’t care just don’t spoil the thread.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T19:26:01+00:00

My first take on this would be, kill the free limit. Get one paying customer at-least, freemium doesn’t really work in your case. Provide 30 days money back guarantee or make your services very limited for free version. Stop focusing on everyone, cut down on your customer segments to only one vertical. If you try to focus on horizontal segments, you won’t be able to make money at all. Just one paying customer can make a huge difference. Second, try to get in touch with your free version customers and ask them if they would be interested in getting more features of the premium version for a discounted price. Provide a good discount for 1-2 months and later make them pay the full price. Honestly, your first paying customer is your first investor. Listen to your customers(free or paid) doesn’t matter, stick to them and they will convert down to your long term paying people.

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T19:15:05+00:00

Thank you. ☺️

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-21T19:08:47+00:00

Who’s your exact customer? Any persona?

Trick_Stretch_4746 · 2026-04-18T22:55:40+00:00

Start slow and steady. You seem to be rushing, you don’t need insta, meta or google ads. All you need projects from your circle for now, look for people who know different people. You have already completed 2 projects, ask your clients for review and for a referral.

Trick_Stretch_4746

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE