How 4 popular startups really began Shane Labs

I learn best by example, which is why when I came across these 4 flowcharts showing how successful tech startups actually got started I had to share with you all. Many think that a lot of internet businesses are overnight successes, but from these scenarios that couldn’t be further from the truth. Take a look at how Pinterest, Airbnb, Angry Birds, and Instagram *really* began.

Source – All images created by and copyright Anna Vital of Funders and Founders.

Pinterest

Take note:

His first apps flopped, he was scoffed at by investors

He personally wrote to the first 7k users

Started out with moms, and grew from there

5 years to get to success

Airbnb

Take note:

The name first came from renting out air mattresses!

They were stuck at $200/week for a long time, but kept on

They personally went door-to-door to take pictures for their rentals

7 years to get to success

Angry Birds

Take note:

Had 51 failures before their one success

7 years to get to success

Instagram

Take note:

Okay, this one did practically happen overnight (2 months is super fast)

Don’t expect to go from learning to code to massive funding in a few weeks

They finally succeeded after throwing away features

Takeaway…

Don’t expect your side project to succeed overnight, they very rarely do. Most take several years.

Don’t compare your story to others, everyone is different.

Do get your first customers through methods that don’t scale. This is hard work.

Do keep trying, even after many failures