David Daneshgar shares his remarkable journey from being a World Series of Poker champion to becoming the co-founder of Whippy AI, a thriving bootstrapped SaaS company revolutionizing the way businesses handle marketing and operational communications. With a candid look into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from the world of professional poker to the tech industry, David offers invaluable insights into bootstrapping, growth strategies, and the importance of product-market fit.

Starting with his poker career's peak, winning the World Series of Poker in 2008, David utilized his winnings to fund his education and entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded Bloom Nation in 2012, a platform that raised significant VC funding but taught him the hard lessons of dilution and the importance of maintaining control over one's company. In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, David embarked on a new venture, Whippy AI, aiming to simplify and enhance how businesses communicate with their clients through advanced automation.

Today, Whippy AI boasts 600 customers, a $4 million annual run rate, and a clear path to scaling further, all achieved without external funding. This interview is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, offering a real-world example of how resilience, strategic pivoting, and a customer-focused approach can lead to significant success.

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Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to David Daneshgar and Whippy AI
1:20 - Transition from Poker Champion to Entrepreneur
3:30 - Lessons Learned from VC Funding and Ownership Dilution
5:45 - The Genesis and Growth of Whippy AI
8:10 - Strategies for Bootstrapping and Achieving $4M ARR
10:15 - The Importance of Product-Market Fit and Customer Feedback
12:30 - Future Plans and Growth Strategies for Whippy AI
14:45 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs on Bootstrapping and Scaling
17:20 - The Role of Persistence and Adaptability in Business Success
20:10 - Q&A: Insights into David's Entrepreneurial Journey

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By the numbers.
See charts and graphs here: https://getlatka.com/companies/whippy

Founded in 2021.
$1m in revenue in 2022.
$2m in revenue in 2023.
$4m in revenue in 2024.
Bootstrapped.
600 customers.
100% YOY.
17 employees.
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