Your first market doesn’t need to be huge
Your first market doesn't need to be huge.
It needs to be winnable.
Instead of going after a big market from day 1 to maximize revenue...
...founders should target a small market with the intent of dominating it — using that domination as momentum that carries into adjacent markets.
owned payments for eBay sellers before becoming every website’s checkout button.
was the social network for Harvard students before your mom (and the rest of the world) joined.
took over short-term stays for New York budget travelers before redefining the hotel industry.
dominated book buyers before becoming the everything store.
focused on collectors selling niche items before taking over all online auctions.
served San Francisco commuters before becoming a global ride-hailing giant.
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Remember, your first market isn't your endgame.
It's your proving ground.
FletchPMM
Best Practices
Get access to all of our Figma templates and LinkedIn posts in a Notion database organized by theme (go-to-market strategy, website messaging, etc.)
Ben Wilentz
Founder, Stealth Startup