The $15M client I landed after almost giving up

I never thought a random side project would lead me to a $15 million client.

So, back in May 2022, I was still in university, trying to juggle my neuroscience-based music startup while cramming for exams in London. And, you know how sometimes inspiration hits you in the weirdest ways? I had this idea for a design subscription service. I’d been seeing services like BrettFromDJ’s DesignJoy blowing up and realized there was a gap in the market for something similar. It wasn’t exactly my field, but I couldn’t shake the idea.

By November 2022, I decided to just go for it. Launched the website and everything. But... crickets. Barely anyone noticed, and to be honest, I was still buried in university deadlines and trying to scale my music startup. By February 2023, I had this decision to make—do I keep pushing with zero traction? Or do I focus on my startup and uni? Ultimately, I hit pause. I figured I’d come back to it when life wasn’t so hectic.

Fast forward to November 2023, I graduated, and not only that, but I successfully exited my startup. That gave me space to breathe—and think. I had this fresh vision for the design subscription, but this time, I’d focus on SaaS companies. SaaS was exploding, and I knew this could be my entry point.

So, I re-launched with a new strategy, but this time, I didn’t just sit back. I got aggressive. I started a cold email outreach campaign, tapped into my previous network from my startup days, and began cold messaging SaaS startups on LinkedIn—especially the ones that were hiring and scaling. Every day, I was sending out messages, following up, and connecting with decision-makers.

Then, in January 2024, one of those cold LinkedIn messages paid off. A beauty SaaS startup, valued at $15 million, responded. After a few calls and negotiations, I signed a contract with them. That single deal completely changed the direction of my business, almost overnight.

From that moment, things just snowballed. Now, we’re working with Techstars founders, MIT alumni, and even Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees. It’s insane to think how a side project I almost ditched ended up being my biggest success.

The biggest thing I learned? Sometimes, stepping back is the best thing you can do. Timing really is everything. Oh, and the view from my new office? Not too bad either.

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