Bootstrapped Community

2 Bootstrapped Community Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 10th, 2024

Ever dreamt of building a robust business network without hefty startup costs? Consider starting a bootstrapped community. This business idea revolves around creating a self-sustaining, member-backed group focused on mutual support and growth.

The core of a bootstrapped community is leveraging the collective skills and resources of its members. Your primary role would be to facilitate connections, organize events, and provide platforms for collaboration. This isn’t about quick wins; it’s about fostering long-term relationships and shared success.

Building such a community requires dedication and meticulous planning but offers the reward of being part of a vibrant, connected ecosystem. The draw? You get to create a thriving network that grows organically, supported by the passion and skills of its members. For those eager to cultivate meaningful business connections without breaking the bank, this idea holds immense potential.

In this list, you'll find real-world bootstrapped community success stories and very profitable examples of starting a bootstrapped community that makes money.

1. MicroConf ($420K/year)

Besides bootstrapping and selling multiple startups, most recently an email service provider named Drip, Rob has been creating content about startup since 2005. A blog, a podcast, a book,... and a community seemed like a natural next step.

How much money it makes: $420K/year
How many people on the team: 2

How Rob Walling Built MicroConf Into a $420K SaaS Community

Learn about how serial entrepreneur Rob Walling leveraged his experience and audience to launch MicroConf, a successful conference series that now attracts early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs worldwide and brings in an impressive $35K/month in revenue.

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Read by 497 founders

2. Indie Worldwide ($24K/year)

Anthony came up with the idea for Indie Worldwide after experiencing setbacks in his career and freelancing. He leveraged his experience in running events and his desire to be like other successful founders in the indie hacking community to create a virtual meetup for indie hackers. Through organic growth and strategic launches on platforms like Product Hunt, the community has grown to over 2,000 members and has multiple revenue streams, including a successful Founders' Club with $5.5k in ARR and sponsorships.

How much money it makes: $24K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.2K
How many people on the team: 1

We Built A Virtual Community To 2K Members [#1 On Product Hunt]

Indie Worldwide has scaled to 2,000 members with revenue streams generating $5.5k ARR and $3k in sponsorships, offering aspiring founders a blueprint for creating profitable virtual communities.

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Read by 5,657 founders