Shammika M

Writing code since 1999 - Not a prompt jockey. Software agency owner. Also
➔ Building Building Rebuilding

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

Everyone says Facebook won because Mark was a genius.

That's not what happened.

Here's what Mark actually did that most founders completely miss: 🧵

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

I guess I'll be receiving another apology email from @Xero CEO

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

What if I told you that Shopify's rise to a $100B valuation started with one simple idea: empowering entrepreneurs?

By focusing on small businesses, they created a platform that turned dreams into reality.

Here's how they did it:

→ Easy-to-use tools for everyone
→ Supportive community for guidance
→ Resources that demystify e-commerce

Instead of just selling software, they built a movement of creators.

Are you ready to take your SaaS idea to the next level? Let's chat!

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

@_baretto This is exactly how it is supposed to be, slow & steady 👏

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

Find the smallest viable audience with the biggest specific problem.

Build the minimum thing that solves it.

Ship it before it's perfect.

Let real users tell you what matters.

I've built products both ways now. The dorm room approach wins every time.

Most founders are sitting on ideas waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect tech stack. The perfect team.

Mark had a laptop and three roommates who believed in the idea.

That's your real competition. Someone who ships today while you're still planning.

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

Everyone says Facebook won because Mark was a genius.

That's not what happened.

Here's what Mark actually did that most founders completely miss: 🧵

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

8/ That dorm room strategy still works today.

Find the smallest viable audience with the biggest specific problem.

Build the minimum thing that solves it.

Ship it before it's perfect.

Let real users tell you what matters.

I've built products both ways now. The dorm room approach wins every time.

Most founders are sitting on ideas waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect tech stack. The perfect team.

Mark had a laptop and three roommates who believed in the idea.

That's your real competition. Someone who ships today while you're still planning.

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

@Luck_7773 Flintoff

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

What if I told you SaaS can be your golden ticket? 🏆

Here’s why it’s a fantastic business model:

1/ Recurring Revenue
SaaS provides predictable income.
Monthly subscriptions mean cash flow is steady.
This allows for better planning and investment.

2/ Scalability
You can grow without the usual growing pains.
Serve 10 customers or 10,000 with the same codebase.
Your growth isn’t tied to headcount; it’s tied to user adoption.

3/ Global Reach
The internet breaks down barriers.
Your product can reach users worldwide with ease.
Geographical limitations? They're a thing of the past!

4/ Customer Insights
You get real-time data on user behavior.
This helps you refine and improve your product.
Understanding what users love leads to better retention.

5/ Lower Initial Costs
Say goodbye to hefty upfront fees.
With SaaS, you can launch for less than traditional models.
This means more founders can dive in and innovate!

What’s your biggest challenge in starting a SaaS? 🤔

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

@Luck_7773 Michael Clarke

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

@1no_aalsi_ Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor aka Ross Taylor

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

70% of SaaS startups are thriving thanks to non-technical founders.

They bring fresh perspectives and business acumen that tech skills can't match.

Who else is seeing this shift in the startup world?

➔ Founders with business backgrounds
➔ Diverse teams driving growth
➔ Focus on customer needs

What are your thoughts on this trend?

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

9/ 35 days left.

→ Still building.
→ Still shipping.
→ Still here.

If you're following this journey - drop a comment 👇

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

🧵 [Day 35/70] 34 Days Rebuilding ScrollStop - The Full Story

1/
We're officially halfway.
34 days ago, I hit publish on the boldest post I've ever written.

Someone paid $47 for a product that didn't exist.
On my birthday.
And she *refused* a refund and said: "𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺."

So I gave myself 70 days to build it.

Here's what's happened so far 👇

[Shammika M @IAmApptimistic]

8/ Challenges So Far

• Balancing agency work + ScrollStop
• Imposter syndrome (still real after 25 yrs)
• API limitations (X + LinkedIn… enough said)
• Switching from builder → content creator