No More Hustleporn: Paul Graham Tries To Convince Fred Wilson to Invest in Airbnb
Tweet by Alex Garcia ๐
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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

1/17
"There's no reason this couldn't be as big as Ebay."

2/17
We got an intro!

3/17
BUT, "It's a longshot, at this stage..."

4/17

5/17
Meet them...They're special

6/17
"Still very suspect"

7/17
Finally, a chance!

8/17
Some good signs

9/17
Damn, old guys...

10/17
Is that a light at the end of the tunnel?

11/17
"sheeeeessh, sheeeeesh" *insert viral tiktok sound

12/17
Yo Fred, think long-term

13/17

14/17
"Just do it" - Paul Graham

15/17
"Let me think, Paul" - Fred

16/17

17/17
Need more data thoooo...

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...
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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