16 Months of Startup Life: A Former Employee's Honest Account
2025-01-17
A former Confluent employee shares his honest experience of the first 16 months of building his startup, ShadowTraffic. The post details his journey, from initial self-doubt and the elation of landing his first customer, to hitting plateaus, customer churn, and the anxieties that come with it. He describes the process not as a single leap, but as a continuous cycle of fear, courage, and calm. Key takeaways include the importance of product validation, the challenges of early customer acquisition, and the need for consistent customer support. Ultimately, the author emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment and believing in your vision.