How risky is Indie Hacking?
It's a pretty simple question that I'd like to hear people's opinions on. Given ~1.5 years of runway and enough funds to run basic marketing campaigns, pay server/domain costs, etc, how significant is one's chance of failure at building a micro-SaaS (say, in the $5k MRR range)?
In my mind, building a VC-backed startup is hugely more risky because if you don't meet growth targets (even if growing), you could be shut down out of the blue. Indie Hacking, on the other hand, seems a lot less risky but takes a lot more work in some ways. I wouldn't know though, I'm just getting started and am eager to hear more knowledgeable opinions.
If you have the skills, grit, and time, is success anywhere near guaranteed?
There are risks everywhere. Startup/Indie/Corporate/Freelance? The trick is to learn what works for you. It's hilarious you say "VC backed" - because there's no guarantee you'd get funded or succeed whether or not you gain initial funding.
Otoh, millions of people are out of work right now (and at any given time) - many who used to have a "safe" corporate job. Plus, it could be toxic/draining/unhealthy and someone could ultimately fire you. No one is immune. I even know someone from a rich family who was kicked out of the house.
Some might say it takes a lot of work no matter what... and you could be lucky or unlucky in anything and yet succeed/fail. I would say, follow what makes you happy. Failures of any kind sting, but can teach you a lot.
If you care about risk, the lowest risk is to buy a SaaS doing 5k MRR.
SaaS is not guaranteed at all. There are successful founders who started a second SaaS and failed hard.