048: Growing Patreon into the $4 Billion Company it is Today

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

—I’m your host, Chris Koerner, and In this episode, we're spotlighting Patreon, the brainchild of musician and entrepreneur Jack Conte. We'll be uncovering the principles that propelled Patreon from a mere idea scrawled on paper to a global platform empowering artists, musicians, writers, and creators of all kinds.—

—We'll explore how Patreon identified a crucial pain point in the creative industry, revolutionizing the way artists connect with their audiences. We'll dissect the creator-centric business model that not only fueled Patreon's growth but also set a new standard for customer-focused platforms. And most importantly, we'll dive into the remarkable journey of maintaining a creator-first mindset, even in the face of rapid expansion and financial decisions.—

—Let’s dive right into the journey of Jack Conte, a name you might not recognize in the same breath as PewDiePie, but one that has made a significant impact in the creative world.—

—Jack Conte wasn't just your average YouTuber; he was a part of an indie band called Pomplamoose, pulling in a substantial 400 grand a year at its peak. They toured the country, had dedicated fans, and even provided health benefits to their employees. But Jack found himself burnt out and frustrated after pouring his heart and soul into a music video that generated far less revenue than the effort he invested. That moment of frustration birthed an idea, and he scribbled down the concept for Patreon on 14 sheets of printer paper.—

—Patreon, as many of you know, is a platform that allows creators to connect with their audience in a financial way. But it didn't start as a grand vision with a polished business plan. In fact, Jack and his co-founder, Sam Yam, started with nothing but an idea and a determination to make it work.—

—They launched on May 7th, twenty thirteen, with just three creators, including Jack himself, his girlfriend, and their roommate. Their platform allowed creators to receive direct support from their fans, avoiding the pitfalls of relying solely on ad revenue, a model where platforms like YouTube took a significant cut.—

—And it worked.—

—Within two weeks of launching, creators were making six figures. Patreon's model of taking a small percentage of the revenue, either 5, 8, or 12 percent, depending on the services, resonated with artists and content creators alike. It was a game-changer. The platform was growing, and it was growing fast.—

—But with growth came challenges. They had to scale rapidly, and scaling meant dealing with an influx of creators, each with unique needs. One of the defining moments was their decision to raise outside investment. After some initial struggles, they found their stride, raising over 2 million in their first round.—

—Fast forward to today, and Patreon has sent over 3 point 5 billion dollars to creatives. Their success has led to a crucial question: should they go public? With over 400 million in total investments, the pressure is on. Jack and Sam are weighing their options, debating how to balance the interests of shareholders with their core mission: supporting the creators who make Patreon what it is.—

—The heart of Patreon's story lies in its creator-first mindset. Jack believes that what's best for creative people is also best for shareholders in the long run. It's a delicate balance, one that requires constant vigilance. Jack's dedication to this principle shapes every decision Patreon makes, from hiring to messaging, from investor relationships to internal processes.—

—So, as Jack and Sam ponder the future of Patreon, they do so with a fundamental commitment: to ensure that creators are at the forefront of their minds, every step of the way.—

—And that, is the story of Jack Conte and the creation of Patreon—a platform that changed the game for creators worldwide. —

—Let's unravel why this platform has become synonymous with empowering creators while we explore the principles that propelled Patreon to success and how those same principles can be applied to your own business endeavors.—

—Principle 1: Identify a Pain Point and Innovate Solutions—

—One of the key reasons behind Patreon's success was its ability to identify a pain point in the creative industry. Jack Conte saw the vast disparity between the effort artists put into their work and the revenue they received in return. His frustration birthed the idea of Patreon, a platform that connected creators directly with their audience, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts.—

—As a business owner, keenly observe your industry. Identify pain points or challenges that your customers face. Innovate solutions that directly address these issues. By offering a product or service that genuinely solves problems, you establish a loyal customer base and foster long-term relationships.—

—Principle 2: Create a Creator-Centric Business Model—

— Patreon's creator-centric approach set them apart. By charging a small percentage of the revenue earned by creators, Patreon ensured that artists took home the majority of their earnings. This model prioritized the needs of the creators, aligning the platform's success with the success of its users.—

—Implement a business model that prioritizes your clients or customers. Offer transparent pricing, exceptional customer service, and value-added benefits. By placing your clients at the center of your operations, you build trust and credibility, encouraging customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals.—

—Principle 3: Maintain a Creator-First Mindset Through Growth—

— Jack Conte's unwavering commitment to a creator-first mindset propelled Patreon's growth. This principle was not just a slogan; it was embedded in the company's culture. Every decision, from hiring employees to seeking investments, was evaluated based on its impact on the creators. This dedication ensured that Patreon stayed true to its mission even as it scaled.—

—Uphold your core values as your business expands. Whether you're hiring new team members, entering into partnerships, or exploring new markets, always align your decisions with your company's fundamental principles. This consistency reinforces your brand identity and fosters authenticity, resonating with both customers and employees.—



—And there you have it, the three principles that fueled Patreon's success: identifying pain points, creating a customer-centric model, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to core values. By integrating these principles into your own business strategies, you too can pave the way for enduring success.—


—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—