2023 Yearly Update to Friends of Saat
I went full digital nomad, traveling to 7 new countries. I experienced incredible personal growth, and I gained better clarity of my place in this entrepreneurial journey.
I’m sitting in a chicken bus on my way to Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize City. I spent the last few days in a sleepy town called San Ignacio, exploring caves, celebrating Christmas at a rodeo (and it was my first rodeo), and meeting fascinating locals and travelers at Bella’s Backpacking Hostel. The reason I add those details is that I’ve had so many incredible and colorful experiences this year, and I need to remind myself just how lucky I’ve been.
This Past Year Was …
Travel. I spent over half the year outside of the USA, primarily in Latin America. It began with a predicted 2 week trip in Colombia that evolved to a 7 month expedition in the Americas. Along the way, I explored vibrant ecosystems and cities. I (almost) summited a mountain of 6000 meters in Bolivia, ventured into the Amazon for the first time, and experienced my first Carnaval in Colombia. I also grew a deeper understanding of myself through the places and people that were a part of that journey. I truly recommend everyone with the means not to hesitate in booking that one-way flight. Sometimes you have to ignore that frontal lobe (mine had just fully developed) when it comes to decisions that seem foolish or against the grain.
Success. My amazing cofounders and I were lucky to be able to sell our first company Lyne. Even though our exit, financially speaking, was tame (you definitely won’t see a techcrunch article about it), the journey from start to end was invaluable. I was very lucky to be a part of an amazing team, and I’m indebted to both Andrew and Hans for being my partners in crime. I expect great things from both of them going forward.
Self-doubt. We had some early traction with Lyne, but our team struggled to survive (we called ourselves cockroaches because we couldn’t be killed) and struggled even more to find success with new products. Eventually, we decided to part ways (for now) and pursue independent paths. Having to amicably separate our united team after 3 years together was not easy for me. I realized quickly how lonely the entrepreneurial journey is.
Self-actualization. After moving nonstop for several years, I came face to face with my own desires and shortcomings. Do I want to continue the startup life? Am I cut out for this, or was I just carried by more impressive teammates? Am I an imposter better suited to a more stable path? But looking back, I’m very thankful for that period. I took a step back and realized that while “doing the startup thing” is challenging, overwhelming, and at times, crushing, there’s nothing that matches the passion it instills within me. I’ve now grown confident that this is the path for me.
People. I could write a book celebrating every person that made this year outstanding. From family to friends, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and love.
In 2024 you can expect …
Travel, but maybe less so. As much as I’ve loved traveling this year, I do think that there are some things that you miss out on. Consistency, focus, and continuation. I’m still figuring out specifics, but stay tuned.
Passions. I got into trekking, travel, and calisthenics last year, and I hope to continue growing physically, intellectually, and spiritually.
My next startup. I spent a good part of 2023 ideating, and I’m excited to actually roll up my sleeves. I flirted with building a company in a different industry, but I’ve come to realize that B2B software is the place for me. Stay tuned on that as well.
Gratitude. Studies have consistently found that gratitude unshackles us from negativity and gives us purpose and happiness. We all need to remind ourselves that our time is limited, and there’s no point wasting
Book Recommendations …
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. It describes how happiness leads to success — not the other way around. Understanding the scientific basis of positivity and its psychological and physiological effects was an eye-opener.
Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares. It shows that there is a systematic approach that can be taken to the seemingly random and challenging problem of gaining early traction. Rewired my perspective as I start a new venture.
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