How much does your startup idea matter compared to your execution?

In this solo episode, Rob Walling covers several founder-focused topics: the difference between gatekeeping and paying your dues, why raw material beats polish, and why successful people don't mind others winning. He also shares a listener's exit story, discusses optimism in founder communities, and talks about the mix of luck, skill, and hard work needed to build something that lasts.

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• (2:00) – Gatekeeping vs. Paying dues as a new founder
• (9:56) – How “raw material” transforms into high-value skills (and startups)
• (16:36) – A bootstrapped listener shares a quiet, life-changing exit
• (18:17) – People who are winning don’t mind if others win too
• (20:09) – The critical importance of who you surround yourself with

• MicroConf Remote - Nov 5th, 2025 | Use promo code STARTUPS15 for $15 off your ticket.
• The SaaS Playbook
• 1000-Gram Iron Bar Analogy

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

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Can bootstrapped founders really invent a new category with AI or is it a trap?

In this solo episode, Rob Walling answers a fresh batch of listener questions covering SaaS marketing, global expansion, and strategic positioning. He shares advice on whether inventing a new product category is ever worth it and the nuances of updating your positioning after launch.

Want to get your question answered? Drop it here.

• (2:53) – Vertical vs. horizontal vs. orthogonal positioning as a bootstrapper
• (12:37) – Is AI making it easier to create a new category?
• (21:19) – How to break through mental blocks and actually launch
• (28:36) – Local vs. global marketing for SaaS
• (33:01) – Self-driving cars: Rob’s past prediction and what reverse statistics can teach founders

• MicroConf Remote - Nov 5th, 2025 | Use promo code STARTUPS15 for 15% off your ticket.
• TinySeed - SaaS accelerator for ambitious B2B founders
• Invest in TinySeed
• Episode 783 | Bootstrapping ScrapingBee to $5M ARR and an 8-Figure Exit
• Episode 728 | Bootstrapping Gymdesk to a More Than $32.5M Exit

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe & Review: iTunes | Spotify

What's it really like to attend MicroConf?

In this episode, Rob Walling and Laura Sprinkle, founder of Rootabl, recap MicroConf Europe 2025 in Istanbul. They discuss the MicroConf vibe, standout talks on AI, affiliate marketing, and SaaS growth, as well as the value of networking and connecting while getting outside the conference room.

• (5:01) – The friendly, diverse MicroConf crowd
• (8:06) – Impressions on Istanbul
• (9:24) – Marc Thomas on lifecycle marketing
• (11:34) – Michelle Hansen & John Knox on networking
• (13:04) – MicroConf Excursions
• (16:45) – Einar Volset on SaaS Buyers
• (20:27) – Rob’s AI talk
• (23:27) – Laura’s talk about affiliate programs
• (24:47) – Jesse Schoberg on ranking in ChatGPT and Google's AI
• (26:31) – Attendee-Led Workshops
• (27:58) – Kevin Sahin’s unfiltered lessons scaling to $2M
• (31:12) – James Mooring’s journey to $2M ARR

• Get your Ticket for MicroConf - Portland, Oregon, on April 12 -14, 2026 | Use promo code ROB50 for $50 off your ticket.
• TinySeed
• Join MicroConf Connect
• Deploy Empathy by Michelle Hansen
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
• There’s ONLY 5 Ways to Use AI in SaaS (prove me wrong)
• Rob Walling (@robwalling) | X
• Rootabl
• Laura Sprinkle | LinkedIn
• Laura Sprinkle (@imlaurasprinkle) | X

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe & Review: iTunes | Spotify