1Mby1M Success Stories

3. What kinds of founders have seen success in the program—are there examples beyond SaaS or tech?

The 1Mby1M program’s methodology is applicable to a wide range of businesses, not just those in the traditional tech or SaaS space. While many of the success stories are in software, the principles of capital-efficient, bootstrapped entrepreneurship apply to any business that needs to build a repeatable and scalable model.

Here are some examples of the types of founders and businesses that have seen success:

• SaaS and AI: This is a strong area of focus for the program, and there are many examples of companies that have used the “bootstrap first, raise money to blitzscale later” philosophy. Founders have successfully built businesses and received guidance on everything from AI-powered FinTech and HealthTech to cybersecurity and developer tools.
• Consulting and Services: The program’s methodology is particularly well-suited for consulting and service-based businesses. Many founders have used the program to bootstrap a services company, build it to profitability, and then use that revenue to fund the development of a product. This strategy, known as “bootstrapping with services,” is a common and successful path within the 1Mby1M community.
• E-commerce: There are success stories from founders who have built niche e-commerce brands from the ground up, using the program’s guidance on customer acquisition, positioning, and capital efficiency.
• Other Industries: The program has also supported founders in other sectors.

The common thread among successful founders in the program is not the industry they are in, but their mindset. They are typically dedicated to:

• Validating their idea before investing heavily.
• Focusing on customer revenue and profitability from day one.
• Using the program’s mentorship and curriculum to build a solid, repeatable business model.

The program’s “case study-based” curriculum is a major resource for this. By sharing the journeys of a diverse group of entrepreneurs, it provides a library of real-world examples that founders in different industries can learn from. This makes the program’s value extend far beyond a specific vertical and instead focuses on the fundamental principles of building a sustainable company.