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 and where Paul pleads with Fred to invest in Airbnb 🧵
Conversation
2/17
We got an intro!
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50
3/17
BUT, "It's a longshot, at this stage..."
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4/17
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4
40
5/17
Meet them...They're special
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43
6/17
"Still very suspect"
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46
7/17
Finally, a chance!
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30
8/17
Some good signs
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49
9/17
Damn, old guys...
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10/17
Is that a light at the end of the tunnel?
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11/17
"sheeeeessh, sheeeeesh" *insert viral tiktok sound
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13/17
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49
14/17
"Just do it" - Paul Graham
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15/17
"Let me think, Paul" - Fred
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29
16/17
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47
17/17
Need more data thoooo...
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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.”
An amazing and inspiring email exchange between legends.
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Usually, I only write about growth marketing but love this story sooo...
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Threads to come:
- copywriting
- ad development
- landing page development
- newsletter optimization
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If you want another good read but marketing-centric then I think you'll enjoy this one too:
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Curious about how a company with a $1.6+ trillion market-cap writes persuasive copy?
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