How Notion Bootstrapped From a Failed Side Project

What this episode covers

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Notion, now a $10 billion productivity software company, bootstrapped its early years — starting as a failed side project by Ivan Zhao and Simon Last. They discuss the lean, profit-first approach before VC funding, including how the founders built a minimal viable product, struggled to find product-market fit, and pivoted from an all-in-one tool to a modular workspace. With concrete numbers on the company's early revenue, team size, and the specific tactics they used to grow without outside capital, this episode offers a real-world lesson in patient, founder-led growth. No hype — just the actual decisions that kept Notion alive and eventually made it a category-defining business. #Notion #IvanZhao #SimonLast #Bootstrapping #ProductLedGrowth #SaaS #ProductivitySoftware #LeanStartup #ProfitFirst #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StartupStory #SideProject #Pivot #MinimalViableProduct #CustomerDevelopment #FounderLed Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

Food Saved My Life

Mar 19, 2026 ·34m

Eat More Vegetables: The 4 Foods That Beat Ozempic (Naturally)

Feb 18, 2026 ·11m

How to End Heart Disease with Dr. Fuhrman

Feb 11, 2026 ·45m

Revolutionizing Breast Health: QT Imaging, Overdiagnosis, and What to Do Instead

Jan 27, 2026 ·35m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

Similar Podcasts

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Breaking News Show | eTurboNews Juergen Thomas Steinmetz News is relevant to the global travel and tourism industry, human rights and global issues.Breaking news when it happens and only from the source. Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Bootstrapped Business with Fexingo: Self-Funded Founders, Profit-First Growth, and Lean Operations?

This episode is 8 minutes long.

When was this Bootstrapped Business with Fexingo: Self-Funded Founders, Profit-First Growth, and Lean Operations episode published?

This episode was published on June 15, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Notion, now a $10 billion productivity software company, bootstrapped its early years — starting as a failed side project by Ivan Zhao and Simon Last. They discuss the lean, profit-first approach before VC...

Can I download this Bootstrapped Business with Fexingo: Self-Funded Founders, Profit-First Growth, and Lean Operations episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.