Hi! Welcome to Zero to Millions Club! This community's goal is to lift early-stage startup founders up and get you ready to launch your company. We provide professional inside strategies and access to huge range of resources from funding to marketability. Step 1: Introduce yourself below! (✂️ copy and paste below 👇) Where are you from? What are you working on? What is a challenge you are facing? Step 2: Discover How to Unlock the Classroom Resources ------------- Best Practices in this Community: - Level up by posting insights and thoughtful comments - Help others by liking 👍 good posts and comments - Be kind and respectful - If you need help, feel free to ask the community 💪🔥

Fifteen years ago, a renowned venture capitalist made what turned out to be a billion-dollar oversight by passing on Airbnb. Here's how it unfolded and what we can learn from it. Back in 2009, Airbnb had just earned a spot in Y Combinator (YC), but the startup was facing an uphill battle. Their growth was sluggish, and finding investors who believed in their vision was proving to be difficult. Enter Paul Graham, co-founder of YC, who saw something special in Airbnb. He was convinced of their potential and decided to introduce them to Fred Wilson at Union Square Ventures, an investor known for backing successful companies like Twitter, Tumblr, and Etsy. But when the pitch landed on Fred's desk, he passed. Why turn down Airbnb? The idea just didn’t resonate. Fred later explained: “We couldn’t wrap our heads around air mattresses on living room floors as the next hotel room.” The concept seemed too unconventional and didn’t fit into the established mold of the hospitality industry. Years later, Fred reflected on that decision: “We made the classic mistake that all investors make. We focused too much on what they were doing at the time and not enough on what they could do, would do, and did do.” Today, Airbnb is a household name with a valuation soaring to $73 billion, revolutionizing the way we think about travel and accommodations. What seemed like a quirky idea of renting out air mattresses has grown into a global business offering unique lodging experiences in almost every corner of the world. The takeaway from this story is a powerful reminder for investors and entrepreneurs alike: Early-stage investing isn’t just about the idea—it’s about betting on people, their vision, and the possibilities of what they can achieve. Sometimes, the greatest opportunities lie beyond the limitations of what we can see right now. Would you have taken the leap on Airbnb back then, or would you have missed out too?

At Zero to Millions Club, we’re incredibly grateful for our coders, founders, and the overwhelming love from our partners—universities, VCs, and angels. Funny thing? I didn’t even officially launch yet, but partnerships and lead magnets are taking on a life of their own! We’ve had our share of challenges, but everything fell into place as it was meant to. When you’re driven by purpose (not fear), solving problems with real value (made with love), and offering something clear, everything else flows—talent, cash, income, motivation, good vibes, celebrations, and the will to tackle challenges head-on. Humility and truly listening to your audience? That’s the plan. 💡✨🚀🦃

I've been advising and mentoring idea-stage founders for over a decade. During an Ariana Huffington talk in 2012, I had an eye-opening moment. She took the stage with just a few powerful words, and it hit me—I was doing it all wrong. Here's what I adjusted: 🛑 Overcomplicating things, talking too fast, and not anchoring myself by taking breaks. 🛑 The joke I was telling was a mix of cultures and heartbroken poets, it didn't work in a professional setting. 🛑 My knowledge wasn't being delivered in an effective manner. Now, my approach centers on: 🎯 Listening carefully and responding promptly, with a focus on respecting others' time. 🎯 Using fewer, more impactful words—allowing time to heal and shed old habits. 🎯 Communicating directly in ways that truly connect with my audience, prioritizing their needs and challenges over my own. The outcome? A 150% increase in conversions! What’s the best communication advice you’ve received? Do you think clarity is essential for a pitch?

For founders and builders: What’s your biggest challenge right now?