From $50m VC-backed to $20k MRR notes app - Alex MacCaw, Reflect (prev. Clearbit)

From $50m VC-backed to $20k MRR notes app - Alex MacCaw, Reflect (prev. Clearbit)

Author: James McKinven March 10, 2023 Duration: 16:58

Alex MacCaw is the founder of Reflect, a note taking app which he’s grown to $20k MRR with a team of 4. Previously, he was the co-founder of Clearbit, a VC-backed company that scaled to $50m in revenue. After stepping down as CEO of Clearbit, he decided to focus on doing the stuff he enjoys. So he’s sailing around the world building an app that gets him excited every day.

👉 My side project, Whitstable Craft Co.

What we covered in this episode:

  • Why Alex dropped out of school
  • Coding without a CS degree
  • Being unemployable
  • Starting Clearbit
  • Stepping down as CEO of Clearbit
  • Boostrapping Reflect
  • Why another note taking app?
  • Building what you enjoy
  • Growing to 20k MRR
  • Getting the first users for your product
  • Sailing around the world

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Every Tuesday, James McKinven sits down for a short chat with someone who’s quietly building a business on their own terms. Indie Bites focuses on the real, often messy, beginnings of profitable, bootstrapped ventures. Instead of abstract theory, you’ll hear founders explain the exact moment an idea clicked, the scrappy ways they tested it without spending a fortune, and how they landed those crucial first few customers. The conversations are deliberately kept concise, getting straight to the practical insights that make a difference when you’re starting with limited time and resources. This podcast digs into the specifics of creating a sustainable income independently, covering the intersection of entrepreneurship, marketing, and hands-on business tactics. It’s for anyone who prefers learning from direct experience rather than corporate playbooks, offering a regular dose of motivation and actionable advice from people who are actually doing the work.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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