Dreaming big is fun and free, and that’s exactly what I did with Financial Samurai, wondering if it could become the next billion-dollar financial technology company. Personal finance websites are booming, even those run by inexperienced freelancers, which got me thinking about my own venture.
I’ve always been a dreamer. As a kid, I imagined becoming a professional tennis player, traveling the world in a private jet. But reality hit in high school—I wasn’t even the best in the state, just in my district. It wasn’t until I turned 32 that I allowed myself to dream big again.
Investing is another route I find intriguing, especially in sectors like AI, property tech, and fintech. These industries hold companies that could potentially become worth billions.
The story of Ariana Huffington, who sold The Huffington Post for $315 million but only pocketed about $21 million, illustrates how company ownership structure can greatly affect personal gains. In contrast, Michael Arrington sold TechCrunch for a much smaller sum but ended up with more because he owned a larger share of his company. These examples show that building a massive enterprise requires not just hard work but also smart structuring and timing.
This journey with Financial Samurai has been largely driven by you, the FS community. Your encouragement keeps me going, ensuring I never run out of topics to write about. As long as I can talk, I can write, and there’s always more to discuss.
Back in 2010, burnt out from my finance job, I pondered over starting a more laid-back lifestyle business versus chasing a high-stress, high-reward venture. Most of you preferred the lifestyle business, a choice that resonated with me and shaped my decision. Looking back, I realize how pivotal that decision was, even though it meant working just as hard, at least initially.
Fast forward, the lifestyle business dream has become a reality. Since leaving my corporate job, I’ve enjoyed consulting for fintech startups, bringing valuable insights from Silicon Valley to the FS community. The chance to pivot into something new has been both refreshing and rewarding.
Why not consider building a billion-dollar company too? Over the years, I’ve learned so much about tech culture, compensation, fundraising, and growth in Silicon Valley. I’ve consulted for companies that went on to raise significant capital, showing the potential of what well-crafted value propositions can achieve.
After a recent article about the most innovative companies in personal finance, I felt inspired. Financial Samurai might not be as innovative as some startups like LearnVest, which has raised substantial funding and attracted significant traffic, but it has been profitable and impactful with minimal external funding.
While Financial Samurai started as a hobby, it has grown into a profitable enterprise that rivals larger, more funded startups. I’ve seen firsthand how many startups with significant investments don’t necessarily lead to profitability. This realization sparked a thought: what if I could do more with less? What if Financial Samurai could reach new heights with just a small boost in funding and exposure?
Building a billion-dollar business might sound ambitious, but the fundamentals are there. I’ve gained a deep understanding of personal finance, not from reading about it, but from living it—investing in stocks, real estate, and bonds, and navigating the financial world both as a professional and a personal investor. This hands-on experience could be the foundation of a truly influential enterprise.
So, what would I do if I had $75 million to invest in Financial Samurai? I’d hire experienced financial writers to produce top-tier content. I’d develop a free Financial Samurai app to help users manage their finances with innovative tools and insights. I’d create a subscription model to connect users with qualified financial advisors and build corporate partnerships to extend our reach and impact.
Yet, the question remains: why build a billion-dollar company? I have the experience, the audience, and the industry contacts. More importantly, I have a vision for a service that could significantly benefit its users. The only thing left is deciding whether to pursue this path or continue enjoying the freedom of my current lifestyle. Whatever the decision, it’ll be about striking a balance between ambition and contentment, always remembering that more money and success don’t necessarily equate to more happiness.
