TinySeed

How TinySeed Built a $50M Fund for Bootstrapped SaaS Startups

February 22nd, 2025

Founded By

Rob Walling

Founders

Monthly Traffic

Profitable

Yes

Year Started

2018

Customer

B2B

Founded By
Rob Walling: Founders
2

Monthly Traffic
0: Profitable
Yes

Year Started
2018: Customer
B2B

Who is Rob Walling?

Rob Walling, co-founder of TinySeed, is a software developer turned entrepreneur originally from the U.S., known for founding and bootstrapping multiple startups including Drip, as well as initiating MicroConf and the Startups for the Rest of Us podcast.

What problem does TinySeed solve?

TinySeed solves the problem of startup funding for bootstrapped SaaS companies by providing remote, year-long mentorship and capital without the pressure to become unicorns.

How did Rob come up with the idea for TinySeed?

Rob Walling, co-founder of TinySeed, saw a gap in the market for startup funding. His experience with bootstrappers highlighted the challenges they faced in securing funding without chasing billion-dollar valuations. This realization led him to create an accelerator specifically for those who wanted to scale to profitability but not necessarily Unicorn status.

Rob's journey with TinySeed began with understanding that many bootstrapped startups faced challenges securing funding due to their focus on sustainable growth rather than hyper-growth. By listening to the needs of the startup community through his involvement in podcasts, conferences, and personal interactions, he validated that there was significant demand for a program tailored to such companies.

Having tested the waters with a strategic tweet and landing page which rapidly gained traction, Rob collected thousands of expressions of interest. He and his team then meticulously refined their approach by focusing on flexible funding structures that aligned the interests of founders and investors. This groundwork allowed TinySeed to offer a year-long remote mentorship program, ensuring accessibility and fostering a healthier pace for growth.

How did Rob Walling build the initial version of TinySeed?

TinySeed was developed with a unique approach to support bootstrapped startup founders. The initial phase of building TinySeed involved designing a structure that allows companies to participate remotely for a full year, contrasting with traditional accelerators that require relocation for a shorter period. Rob Walling and Einar Vollset structured TinySeed to accommodate SaaS companies that aspire to reach $1M-$50M in annual revenue without the need for unicorn-level growth. The framework of TinySeed was intentionally crafted to avoid the necessity for companies to exit, emphasizing a profit/dividend share model aligning founders and investor interests. The process was challenging as it required educating both founders and investors about this alternative approach, deviating from the well-established unicorn mindset prevalent in the startup ecosystem.

What's the pricing strategy for TinySeed?

TinySeed operates as a year-long remote accelerator for bootstrapped SaaS companies, providing funding between $100k-$150k without requiring equity or relocation. Their model focuses on sustainable growth, offering a profit-sharing mechanism rather than pushing for rapid exits like traditional VCs.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building TinySeed?

Embrace Remote Flexibility: TinySeed's remote accelerator model allows founders to work from anywhere, catering to those who can't relocate. It's proof that location doesn't have to limit opportunity.
Align Interests for Growth: By focusing on flexible profit sharing rather than forced exits, TinySeed allows founders to concentrate on sustainable growth, aligning investor and founder interests.
Challenge Conventional Mindsets: Educating founders on viable alternatives to the unicorn model, TinySeed fosters success in businesses that aim for profitability over billion-dollar valuations.
Value Capital Efficiency: Emphasizing capital efficiency, TinySeed demonstrates that with strategic investments, startups can thrive without excessive funding, maximizing every dollar spent.
Prioritize Mindfulness: Managing stress and maintaining a balanced mindset is crucial. TinySeed leaders underscore the importance of emotional control as a tool for long-term success.

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