Over the last year and a half, I built and launched ente - an encrypted photo storage app.
As a solo founder, these were a lonely few months. I’m grateful for the friends and internet strangers who helped me pull through.
It has been easier since launch.
Documented below are some of my learnings so far.
I’m blessed to have a problem that motivates me to wake up and build.
These incremental improvements made it less embarrassing for me to get out of my shell and launch.
While I was not proud of that particular version, I had gotten clarity that this was a problem I would happily grind on. The intent was to last, and that realization made me feel less guilty about creating noise.
Criticism hurts.
I had to learn to compartmentalize my emotions. Customers had to be happy for ente to serve its purpose
In hindsight, it’s clear that listening to feedback helped us grow right.
It is impossible to move forward without making mistakes.
For instance, I first built a box that would store and organize my memories. It was a private Google Photos server, accessible over the internet. It took me almost a year to learn that not a lot of people would buy that box. A non-trivial amount of research, design, and engineering effort had to be thrown away. I had to move on.
It sucked to be alone then.
I’ve since gotten better at acknowledging sunk cost fallacy. I’m more mindful about evaluating outcomes, fixing mistakes, and seeking forgiveness.
As someone said, it’s always day 1.
I want this company to outlive me. So I have to stay healthy and be in love with what I’m doing.
The quote “Starting a company is like eating glass and staring into the abyss” is not far off from the mark. There is a constant stream of negativity to deal with. But it has gotten a bit easier with time.
Also, some things worth building, take time. When dopamine is elusive, I forcefully celebrate little wins and look for joy outside work.
It goes without saying that I’m privileged to afford this story line.
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The last year has helped me become more self aware. I have a clear understanding of some things that I need to work on, and of some others that I need to let go.
The imposter syndrome will forever exist, and that’s okay, and perhaps good.
As of writing this post, I’m not alone. A few loved ones have joined to build a sustainable business. But there are a lot more unknowns ahead, and I hope to learn and grow with grace.
If you’re a founder reading this, please be critical of my learnings. Our environment variables are different and only you will know what’s best for you. I wish you the best.