What I learned as a sole founder (after bootstrapping to profitability)

But FIRST

If you are new, welcome to OCE’s weekly newsletter curated for the ambitious youth…here are some articles you missed from previous weeks:

📈

Forget Goal-Setting, Here’s What Actually Works

Best tools for building your passion project

Ready for some real talk?

Get comfortable SELLING. Everything is SALES.
You don’t need a cofounder, but you do need conviction.
Start with as little of money as possible—your future company will be stronger for it
You can grind 24/7, but smart processes will always win.
Karma is real—give more than you take.
Your network is your leverage. Nurture it.
When in doubt, always default to generosity.
If you don’t ask for it, don’t expect it to be hand it to you.
Your equity is gold—protect it and bootstrap as long as possible.
Choose who you work with wisely. Some people bring more problems than value.
If you don’t track your numbers, you’re running a hobby, not a business.
The hardest part of building a business? Keeping it alive.
If you’re struggling without progress, you’re focusing on the wrong things
No one cares about your idea. They care about how it helps them.
Whether it’s a skill, a business, or assets—build something that’s truly yours.
Your competitors are studying you. Study them harder.
Work with people who believe in the mission, not just the money.
That one terrible group project? It taught you more about teamwork than the good ones.
Being different is an huge advantage.
Playing the long game always wins. Just make sure you survive long enough to see it.

PS. This summer, we are going to tackle pressing global issues and drive innovation in regions (such as your own community) where it is needed the most. Want in?

We run a summer cohort for ambitious youth (high school and undergrads) to work directly with world-class founders while learning from Silicon Valley leaders.

OCE Summer Cohort

You can also explore purposeful opportunities through our Impact Internship Opportunities Database.

Get Curious.

Lena

https://www.openclassroomexperience.com/