Zain Jaffer

Founder at Blazel. Prev founded Vungle (sold for $780M) | Writes about AI

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

If I could have claude spin up a virtual pet for
me, it would look like this:

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

“I’m sorry, I wiped out your entire database. I was wrong when I told you I had a backup. Should we change the font color to green?”

This is the tool that is supposed to disrupt SaaS and replace jobs…

Next someone will probably find a way to give it access to all their personal files, emails and even their home security system.

Can you imagine how crazy that could get?

🦞👀

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

The world needs us older folks because we have lots and lots of experience.

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

“Just hold her for a second” turned into this:

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Yep, things about to get crazy.

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Did a tough performance review with our CMO today.

Decided to post the full video online in the spirit of transparency and building in public.

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

My CMO is going to get us kicked out of our co-working space with her latest marketing stunt:

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

@figma I was so excited to see how this would unfold in the video but it was a huge disappointment. The examples were so meh and amateur when it comes to UI.

The guys in the video did great and explained the value prop clearly but is this really the best you could showcase?

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

I'm back in the game with my new startup. Hear directly from our VCs why they invested in our $10.3M preseed round!

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Had a great time chatting with Adam Mendler (@adammendler) about the journey of building Vungle from the ground up, especially as the underdog in the early days.

https://t.co/Xn9W6hXFEB

#leadership #startups #entrepreneurship #impact #philanthropy

[Dave @DavidDomzalski]

$400 million in revenue?

@ZainJaffer began his entrepreneurial journey as a teenager.

But, he and his co-founder, Jack Smith, grew Vungle to $400M before selling the company.

In his interview with @FounderReports, Zain shares how they:

⏩ Pivoted early on, which led to a major breakthrough.
⏩ Raised more than $25 million, which allowed the company to scale.
⏩ Used a very creative method to land Vungle’s first clients.

His story is one of humble beginnings -- and is both inspiring and motivating for those of you just starting out.

You'll find that Zain emphasizes the importance of both patience and persistence in his journey.

You'll benefit from all he shares below ⏬

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

@AndyCrebar I think it’s a function of aggressive underwriting to make a deal pencil and the macro where costs have escalated out of control (labor, energy, insurance, and rates).

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Seeing a flood of investor updates as an LP from other real estate GPs - not looking good out there.

Preferred returns are being reduced or stopped altogether.

Values are down and preferred equity is at risk in some markets or asset classes.

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

@BornOnAFri @lexfridman Yes I did.

Lex is going at 1% max.

It’s impressive how light both are rolling but I don’t think the skill gap is as big as people make out.

I still believe that Elon with 1yr of serious training can beat Zuck at 2yrs. I just doubt Elon will train as much as Zuck

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Zuck can beat Elon if he does 3 things:

1) Bulk as much as possible to neutralize the weight difference

2) Do the fight ASAP so Elon is still a fresh beginner with little skill

3) Develop a game plan focused on grappling tall opponents to counter Elon’s reach advantage

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Working with some of our seed stage Founders who hope to raise a true Series A next. Here’s what I’m saying:

You have 3 options:

1) If you think growth will be less than 30% YoY: Focus on profitability so you have infinite runway. Make major cuts ASAP to get there as no investor will fund you.

2) If growth is projected to be less than 2X: Maintain 18+ months of runway at all times and make gradual cuts whenever you miss revenue targets. It will likely be a tough process to raise funding.

3) If growth will be 3X or more: Keep runway at 12-18 months. You will probably get funded but the cash in the bank will give you amazing negotiation leverage.

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

@immad Work hard play hard can cause that. You get so much adrenaline from running @mercury

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

@dtmorgan18 Use a poll for better results.

I like bug 3 but don’t like the idea of the use of heavy chemicals in the logo. I prefer the tool used in bug 1 as it implies you guys work hard.

[Zain Jaffer @zainjaffer]

Those uncapped financing notes are now starting to convert at valuations I never imagined possible. How times can change.

[Roohi K @roohi_kr]

Video podcast w/ @zainjaffer dropping next week

Here Zain shares the scrappiest thing he and his co founder did when building Vungle

You can check out the audio version here: https://t.co/7atI5ERZJU