00071. How Nathan Barry Bootstrapped ConvertKit to $20 Million in Revenue

On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Nathan Barry talks about how he built and grew ConvertKit. Nathan shares terrific insights on the realities of bootstrapping your company, and how you can successfully do it.

In previous careers Nathan has been a designer, author, and blogger. After learning the power of email marketing he gave up a successful blogging career to build ConvertKit. Outside of work Nathan spends his time playing soccer, woodworking, and chasing after his two little boys.

Some Questions Nathan Answers:

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself that may help other early-stage founders? (40:50)
- What was it about the market that convinced you that you could grow ConvertKit to millions of dollars? (42:24)
- What is one thing that you believe to be true that most people would disagree with? (43:40)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

About Nathan’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:25)
- How Nathan started ConvertKit (12:53)
- Why Nathan considered shutting down ConvertKit (21:13)
- The reality of bootstrapping your company, and how you can successfully do it (32:45)
- How to take advantage of conferences (39:41)
- Why Nathan believes writing is the most important business skill (45:34)

Connect with Nathan Barry:

Twitter
Personal Website
ConvertKit

Also Mentioned on This Show...

Nathan’s favorite quote:
“Your greatest gift lies next to your deepest wounds.” ―Philip McKernan

Nathan’s book recommendation:
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers