Reflections on a Decade: From RaftUp's Inception to Today’s Hump Day
Reflecting on our journey with RaftUp, the dominant mantra was "growth at all costs." Everyone was laser-focused on user growth, acquisition, and adoption metrics. It was all about pushing the growth envelope as far as it could go.
Coming into the entrepreneurial scene, I wasn't just another founder with a vision. My hands-on experience in building requirements and managing B2B interactions made me a bit of a hybrid—part veteran in practical execution, part novice in running a business. This duality positioned me uniquely in the startup landscape.
In retrospect, this blend of skills and gaps forced me to learn quickly, adapt, and leverage my practical experience. Yet, it also highlighted the critical need for guidance in entrepreneurship.
Additionally, I had never built a mobile app in my life. I had to learn everything on the fly at RaftUp. From writing requirements to evaluating customer needs, I put my trust in offshore developers because I didn’t have a CTO, CMO, or CFO. It was just me, a handful of inexperienced college kids, and a few folks who helped guide us.
One of the most critical components of this journey was the personal and mental challenges I faced. The stress manifested physically—I ballooned up to 320 pounds and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Thankfully, my partner, my wife, and my two lovely daughters were always there for me. My core network of mentors and colleagues has been invaluable. Through self-reflection and daily meditation, I've overcome many challenges, but depression and imposter syndrome took a toll.
After putting RaftUp down, I felt like a failure. During this period, I was hired back at Merkle, where I discovered that the landscape of marketing and technology had changed dramatically. I felt unprepared and had to resort to "fake it till you make it," which I detest.
This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the real challenges of building something from scratch. The startup world can be a brutal arena, but it's also a place where true growth—personal and professional—occurs.
For the full story, visit my blog: [Reflections on a Decade: From RaftUp's Inception to Today’s Hump Day](https://lnkd.in/gtpEdH7d)
Chartered Accountant | Business Process Consultant | Virtual CFO | Risk & Control Advisor
8moAdding to his accolades, Ashish Bisht is the most expensive player of our Startup Movers Premier League auction!