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Making $1.1M/mo from an AI app organically (at 17 years old)

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Hey there,

The newest episode of The Dock Podcast is live.

In this episode, I spoke with Zach Yadegari, the 17-year-old founder of Cal AI, an AI-powered calorie tracking app that's generating $1.1 million in monthly revenue after just 8 months. Zach shared insights on their growth strategy, which heavily relies on influencer marketing and organic TikTok content. He also touched on the challenges of balancing his senior year of high school with running a rapidly growing startup.

We explored the intricacies of Cal AI's marketing tactics, including their use of virtual assistants for outreach, their focus on micro-influencers, and their experimentation with user-generated content. Zach shared lessons on leadership and team management, highlighting the importance of inspiring team members and maintaining a clear vision, especially in a remote work environment. As the youngest person on his team, Zach candidly discussed the challenges of imposter syndrome and having difficult conversations with older employees. Looking ahead, Zach aims to make CalAI the number one calorie tracking app on the App Store within a year, showcasing his ambitious vision for the company's future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Influencer marketing and organic content are crucial for acquiring initial users.

  • Understanding user psychology can significantly enhance onboarding and retention.

  • Visual elements in marketing can drive higher conversion rates.

  • Effective leadership involves inspiring team members and maintaining clear communication.

  • Rapid growth requires adaptability and a proactive approach to challenges.

I hope you find this content valuable and can apply it in your business

Omar Waseem

Founder and CEO of Alif