Introducing the 1m 20m Series by Usann Azevedo on TechCrunch

Usann Azevedo, a renowned tech journalist, recently launched the 1m 20m series on TechCrunch. The series aims to explore the journeys of entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses with less than $20 million in funding. In this article, we will delve into the details of the 1m 20m series and its significance in the startup ecosystem.
The Significance of the 1m 20m Series
The startup ecosystem has always been obsessed with funding rounds and valuations. However, the 1m 20m series shifts the focus to a more critical aspect of entrepreneurship – building sustainable businesses. The series features entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success with limited funding, proving that it is possible to build a profitable business without raising millions of dollars.
The series also highlights the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurs featured in the series have had to make tough decisions and find innovative solutions to overcome challenges. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have access to vast amounts of capital.
The Stories of Resilient Entrepreneurs
The 1m 20m series features entrepreneurs from various industries, including healthcare, fintech, and e-commerce. Each entrepreneur has a unique story to tell, but they all share a common trait – resilience.
One such entrepreneur is Sarah Kunst, the founder of Proday. Proday is a fitness app that provides users with personalized workout routines from professional athletes. Kunst started the company with just $300,000 in funding and had to pivot several times before finding the right product-market fit. Today, Proday has partnerships with major sports leagues and has raised over $4 million in funding.
Another entrepreneur featured in the series is Alex Canter, the founder of Ordermark. Ordermark is a platform that helps restaurants manage online orders from multiple sources. Canter started the company with just $18,000 in funding and had to work multiple jobs to keep the business afloat. Today, Ordermark has raised over $120 million in funding and has partnerships with major food delivery platforms.
These stories demonstrate that success in entrepreneurship is not just about raising money but also about perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks.
The Importance of Building Sustainable Businesses
The 1m 20m series also highlights the importance of building sustainable businesses. Many startups focus on rapid growth and raising large amounts of capital, often at the expense of profitability. However, the entrepreneurs featured in the series have taken a different approach.
They have focused on building businesses that are profitable and sustainable in the long run. This approach has allowed them to weather economic downturns and emerge stronger. It also gives them more control over their businesses and allows them to make decisions based on what is best for their customers and employees, rather than what will impress investors.
The Future of Entrepreneurship
The 1m 20m series provides a glimpse into the future of entrepreneurship. As the startup ecosystem becomes more crowded, entrepreneurs will need to find new ways to stand out. Building sustainable businesses with limited funding may become a competitive advantage, as investors look for companies that can weather economic uncertainty.
The series also highlights the importance of diversity in entrepreneurship. Many of the entrepreneurs featured in the series come from underrepresented backgrounds and have had to overcome significant obstacles to achieve success. Their stories serve as a reminder that anyone can succeed in entrepreneurship with hard work and determination.
Conclusion
The 1m 20m series by Usann Azevedo on TechCrunch is a valuable resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. The series showcases the journeys of resilient entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses with limited funding. It highlights the importance of building sustainable businesses and the role of resourcefulness and creativity in entrepreneurship. As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the lessons from the 1m 20m series will become increasingly relevant.