Starting a startup completely changed the trajectory of my life
Before:
– 22 years old
– $100k in debt
– Skinny-fat
– Hacker house
After:
– 25 years old
– $350k in debt
– Just fat
– Homeless
Here’s what I did after:
People ask me how I reached an eight-figure net worth after only 5 years in tech:
Year 1 - $65K (1st job)
Year 2 - $72K (asked for raise)
Year 3 - $137K (switched jobs)
Year 4 - $35.67M (lawsuit payout from Google commuter bus hitting me)
Year 5 - $146K (promotion)
You never truly understand a
• Failed launch
• Cofounder breakup
• Key hire backing out
• Round falling apart
• Acquisition falling through
Until it happens to you
Being a founder humbles you when it's your turn — all part of the journey
NEVER share your startup ideas. I did, and it easily cost me over $1 billion.
The year was 1993, and I was catching up with my good friend Jensen Huang
The coffee maker had just burnt our coffee, and I remarked
“Dang, I wish these things could think for themselves”