From $150 to $1M: Bootstrapping Success Story

Host

Welcome back to the podcast, everyone! Today, we're diving into an inspiring success story of bootstrapping a business to $1 million in annual recurring revenue—without any outside funding. Joining us is Kyle Nolan, the founder of ProjectionLab.

Expert

Thanks for having me! I'm excited to share my journey.

Host

Absolutely! So, Kyle, tell us how this all began. What inspired you to start ProjectionLab?

Expert

Well, back in 2021, I was really inspired by the financial independence movement. I wanted a better way to plan my financial future, but I couldn't find the right tool. So I decided to build one myself.

Host

That’s incredible! It sounds like a personal need turned into a business opportunity. Can you give us a quick rundown of your milestones along the way?

Expert

Sure! We started with $150 in monthly recurring revenue, and by June 2025, we hit $83,300. Each step, from $600 in August 2021 to $23.3K in November 2023, was full of ups and downs. There were months when I really questioned whether I should keep going.

Host

I can only imagine! What were some of those challenges like? It must have been tough to keep pushing through.

Expert

Definitely. The early months were like a rollercoaster ride—some days I’d wake up to canceled subscriptions and wonder if I should just focus on my day job instead. But I learned that persistence is key. It’s about showing up every day, even when things get tough.

Host

That's a powerful lesson! It's easy to give up when things get rough, but you pushed through. Did you ever feel overwhelmed working solo?

Expert

Oh, absolutely! For the first two years, I was burning the candle at both ends. It was tough managing everything alone, but I knew I had to make a choice: either keep going solo or find someone to help.

Host

And that’s when you decided to build a team? How did you approach that?

Expert

Yes, I realized I needed someone with complementary skills—specifically in growth and marketing. I met a lot of potential partners, but they weren't the right fit until I found Jon Kuipers. He proved himself by contributing without asking for anything upfront.

Host

That’s a great approach! It sounds like building relationships was crucial in your journey.

Expert

Absolutely! Working with someone you trust makes the whole process more rewarding and manageable.

Host

So, here you are today, a million-dollar business founder! What’s next for ProjectionLab?

Expert

We want to keep expanding our features and helping even more people plan for their financial futures. The journey doesn’t stop at a million!

Host

That’s fantastic to hear, Kyle! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us today.

Expert

Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.

Host

And thanks to our listeners for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs like Kyle. Until next time!