458: Read AI: The 8-Figure Playbook for Product-Led Growth - with David Shim

The SaaS Podcast - SaaS, Startups, Growth Hacking & Entrepreneurship

David Shim sold his first startup for $200M, but when he started Read AI in 2021, he built something that failed spectacularly — 5% retention after 30 days. Instead of pivoting to chase revenue, he focused obsessively on fixing one metric: day-one ROI.

Today, Read AI generates 8-figures in ARR, adds a million accounts monthly, and spends virtually nothing on marketing. David discovered that in the age of AI, the companies that win aren't the ones with the biggest models — they're the ones that solve real problems instantly.

You'll learn:

• How David validated his idea by calling Zoom's founder directly and getting instant clarity
• Why focusing on day-one ROI instead of revenue led to 81% retention
• How to build viral loops that drive 1M+ monthly signups without marketing spend
• Why giving away your product for free can be your best growth strategy
• How to compete when Microsoft, Google, and Zoom enter your market

Full show notes → saasclub.io/458

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