Nobody starts a company at the bottom of a recession. Well, nobody smart that is.
But in 2009, about the time real GDP and industrial production hit bottom, we had a big idea — a belief that this device called the “iPhone” would change the world.
We sensed Apple’s App Store was about to change the customer experience in ways never seen before. More brands were investing in digital work. CMOs were shifting from ads to apps. The App Store carried untapped potential for digital-first campaigns and very few agencies were doubling down on digital. We were resolved to build an agency with mobile at its foundation.
All we needed was cash.
Our office was in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our entrepreneurial grit was what Sand Hill Road investors were scouting for. However, we had more than 21 No’s from investors.
So 10 years ago, we bootstrapped Y Media Labs.
Things started off terribly. We were a mess. If we were fortunate enough to win a client bid, we’d struggle with strategy and execution. We poured everything into this upstart venture, and meanwhile our personal relationships with family and friends were suffering.
Having immigrated to the States a few years in, we always carried a certain amount of fear that we’d be deported back to Kolkata. It was a difficult time for foreign entrepreneurs in this country. We’d bought into the promise that immigrants could come to the U.S. and become successful business owners. In reality, we learned quickly that immigrants almost always have to work for somebody to make ends meet.
We were going to shatter that glass ceiling.
We worked with a variety of unknown companies for a while. Then, the call from Safeway came in. Then, a young company called Credit Karma. Then a Japanese company called Mercari. Then, shockingly, Paypal called. Suddenly, we had momentum.
But nothing compared to the 3am email.
It was about the education App we built with Montessorium, teaching kids ABC’s and 123’s via touch on the iPhone and iPad. 48 hours after the app became available for download, which happened to be Apple’s 54th app, we received an email. “Thank you, let me know how I can help. I love what you are doing. Best, Steve.”
Jobs. Steve Jobs. 3am. Email.
How? What? Really? No way. Yes way.
It was real. And it was an insane boost of energy.
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Originally published at https://ymedialabs.com.
