Video Title: Building my startup in public
Video ID: KOWbe77O6aw
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOWbe77O6aw
Export Date: 2026-06-01 23:12:33
Channel: Will Wang
Format: plain
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Lessons Learned from Our Viral Startup Launch and Fundraising Journey

It’s been a minute since our last update, but we’re back with some valuable insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our startup journey. Recently, our startup went viral on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads, with over a million combined views on our launch videos. This massive exposure brought a surge of VC interest and helped us raise $100,000 towards our initial $1 million fundraising goal. While we didn’t hit that target this round, the experience has been incredibly educational and motivating. Here’s a deep dive into what we’ve learned, what we’re building, and how we’re approaching growth and fundraising moving forward.

Going Viral: The Double-Edged Sword

Launching a product that goes viral before it’s fully polished is a new playbook we’re embracing. Our viral launch allowed us to validate strong demand early, with hundreds of users signing up and providing valuable feedback. However, it also came with challenges: it was mentally tough to have so many people try an imperfect product and voice frustration.

We deliberately wanted some angry users because it meant people cared, but it was still hard to handle the scrutiny. Despite that, the viral moment gave us invaluable data on how users interact with our product and what to prioritize next. This approach of launching a rough MVP, going viral, learning from real user data, and iterating rapidly might be the future of startup growth.

Fundraising: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What We Learned

Fundraising was a whirlwind. We had dozens of VC meetings lined up, but realized quickly that momentum is everything. We tried to pack in as many meetings as possible within a tight window to maximize momentum but didn’t quite hit the volume needed to close the round quickly. Some key takeaways:
• Guide the Conversation: Instead of treating VCs like interviewers asking questions, steer the discussion to highlight your product’s strengths and vision.
• Expect Many 'No’s': Hearing “no” is part of the process. Many founders pitch hundreds of investors before getting a “yes.” The first lead is usually the hardest.
• Momentum Matters: Fundraising momentum can quickly slow, making it harder to close deals. Keeping a strong pipeline and top-of-funnel outreach is critical.
• Focus on Product: At some point, it’s better to shift focus back to building the product and gaining paying customers rather than dragging out fundraising.

We’re excited to take these lessons into our next round, aiming for a bigger seed raise once we have more traction and retention metrics to show.

What We’re Building: Text-Prompt Video Editing

Our core product is a tool that lets users edit videos through simple text prompts. Imagine uploading raw vlog clips and telling the software what to cut or keep, generating a first cut automatically. This drastically reduces the time-consuming drag-and-drop timeline editing typical of video editing.

We’ve uploaded dozens of clips from real videos and are iterating quickly on the MVP. Although the product isn’t perfect yet, we’re close to a major milestone with a functional paywall and faster processing speeds. Early users love the concept, and we’re eager to gather more feedback as we improve.

Building In Public and Personal Branding

Sharing our journey publicly has been both rewarding and challenging. For founders building in public, our advice is:
• Start with One Platform: Don’t spread yourself thin. Focus on mastering one social media channel, whether it’s YouTube, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
• Quantity Over Quality (At First): Put out 10-15 pieces of content before obsessing over quality. Early content is a learning process.
• Think About Your Audience: Don’t try to game algorithms; focus on what your target audience wants to see and engage with.
• Personal Brand Matters: Building a personal brand is crucial as software distribution costs decline. It helps open doors and amplify your message.

Why We Chose San Francisco

Moving from Las Vegas to San Francisco was a game-changer. The city’s energy, networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge tech and people have accelerated our growth. Despite the high cost of living and other challenges, the value of being surrounded by other ambitious founders and industry leaders can’t be overstated.

Balancing Hustle and Wellbeing

Between coding marathons, bug fixes, fundraising, and launching events, it’s easy to get burnt out. We’ve learned the importance of taking breaks, like getting back into basketball or simply stepping away from the computer to clear our heads. Maintaining this balance helps sustain long-term productivity and creativity.

Upcoming Events and Next Steps

We’re attending some exciting startup and launch parties soon, including the Cluey after YC launch party and Browser Base’s launch event. These are fantastic opportunities to network, learn, and share our progress.

Our immediate focus remains on polishing the MVP, improving user experience, and ramping up marketing efforts to drive adoption. We’re optimistic about what’s ahead and grateful for the community supporting us on this journey.
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Final Thoughts

The startup game is evolving fast, and the path isn’t always clear. Viral launches, public building, rapid fundraising, and living in startup hubs like San Francisco are part of the new normal. While it’s tough and sometimes mentally challenging, the potential rewards and growth are worth it.

If you’re a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, remember: keep iterating, embrace the “no’s,” focus on your users, and don’t be afraid to build in public. The journey is hard, but the momentum you create can carry you forward.

Thanks for following along — we’ll keep sharing more updates soon!
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If you want to try our text-prompt video editor or give feedback, stay tuned for the MVP launch next week!