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Sourav Mishra

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Codestam Technologies • 1m

In 2012, Airbnb was bleeding money. Investors weren’t interested. The media called it a “stupid idea.” Who in their right mind would let strangers sleep in their home? Founders were broke. So broke they sold custom cereal boxes during the U.S. elections to survive. They made $30K selling “Obama O’s” and “Cap’n McCain.” That cash kept Airbnb alive. Fast-forward: Airbnb is now worth over $100 billion. The lesson? Your breakthrough might come from something weird, small, or stupid. Not from what you planned, but from how you adapt when things fall apart. Too many founders want “the perfect strategy.” But strategy won’t save you when you’re 3 months from shutting down. Grit, creativity, and the willingness to look ridiculous will. Entrepreneurship is messy. But mess is how magic starts. Follow @souravvmishra if you're building something and want more than just motivational fluff.

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