No More Hustleporn: Paul Graham Tries To Convince Fred Wilson to Invest in Airbnb
Tweet by Alex Garcia ๐
https://twitter.com/alexgarcia_atx
Marketing @Gumroad | Building: http://marketingexamined.com | Follow me for content that helps you optimize your marketing efforts. | prev:@thehustle
Way before Airbnb topped a $100B valuation they were constantly rejected at just a $1.5M valuation.
Seven times to be exact.
Here's the email exchange between @paulg and @fredwilson where Paul pleads with Fred to invest in Airbnb ๐งต
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdWm9oWUAEfpUf.png)
1/17
"There's no reason this couldn't be as big as Ebay."
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFc-069VQAopG09.png)
2/17
We got an intro!
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFc_DFJVkBMyqrD.png)
3/17
BUT, "It's a longshot, at this stage..."
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdSm8UXEAcZNR7.png)
4/17
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdS6iNWQAMcPB1.png)
5/17
Meet them...They're special
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdTHjmWQAIS4pv.png)
6/17
"Still very suspect"
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdTO6OXEAEEFCC.png)
7/17
Finally, a chance!
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdTYTQXEAcukjP.png)
8/17
Some good signs
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdTwKHXsAw91-_.png)
9/17
Damn, old guys...
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdTfz4XsAECof5.png)
10/17
Is that a light at the end of the tunnel?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdT8kMXIAIlnNg.png)
11/17
"sheeeeessh, sheeeeesh" *insert viral tiktok sound
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdULgoWQAEL0PR.png)
12/17
Yo Fred, think long-term
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdUaSGWQAIaYDx.png)
13/17
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdUpusXsAQ8h0C.png)
14/17
"Just do it" - Paul Graham
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdU14QX0AMXd4b.png)
15/17
"Let me think, Paul" - Fred
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdVHHKWUAEUP0w.png)
16/17
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdVX1nXMAQF0UA.png)
17/17
Need more data thoooo...
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFdVlbVWUAErTfj.png)
All jokes aside, Fred Wilson now calls not investing in Airbnb a "big mistake."
And says that it's a "reminder to back great entrepreneurs whenever they walk into our office regardless of what they pitch us on.โ
An amazing and inspiring email exchange between legends.
Usually, I only write about growth marketing but love this story sooo...
If you enjoyed this then follow @alexgarcia_atx for growth marketing content on your feed.
Threads to come:
- copywriting
- ad development
- landing page development
- newsletter optimization
If you want another good read but marketing-centric then I think you'll enjoy this one too:
Original source: paulgraham.com/airbnb.html
Such a badass article from Paul Graham