I expected my first EdTech startup to crash but for not for the reasons it did — here is what happened.
In the early days, my biggest worry was — what if so many users show up that the website crashes?
I had endless discussions about technology stack — should I use Python or Ruby? Apparently, Twitter once used Ruby on Rails and their site would go down often. What if it happened to me – wouldn’t it be embarrassing?
It was surely embarrassing. But not the technology part — what was embarrassing was how much out of touch with reality I was. 🤐
Much later, after many hard knocks, I realised the problem — it wasn’t 10 million people crashing your website, but getting 10 people to come to your website and pay for your product.
Most VC funded companies avoid this reality by throwing money on advertising but someday, even they have to face reality.
Here is some unsolicited advice to people starting off any new adventure.
It is totally fine to aim for the stars — but keep your eyes on the road, a few feet ahead. Because if you stumble, crack your kneecaps, and end up in a hospital — the journey to the stars will never take place.
Don’t get caught up in big talk — start small, solve real problems, and be frugal.
Keep the pomp and show for after the IPO — till then, stay grounded.
– Rajan