Founder's Diary - Entry 2: The Beta Is Here-ish
Originally published on Substack
Two weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch in my home office at 2am, staring at the whiteboard, exhausted but unable to sleep. I believe it was the typical founder experience when you have a hugely consequential deadline, too little time and a lengthy to-do list. My brilliant and small team had just gotten temporarily smaller due to some family emergencies. And for the first time in a while, I felt overwhelmed.
So I let myself feel all the feelings, took a deep breath and gave myself a much needed pep talk. In the morning, I called a good friend for another round of pep talks. That’s how you get through it. You don’t do it alone.
Today, the beta is live-ish. I say “live-ish” because we have a few super early users already on the platform while we prepare for a more formal beta launch for our waitlist users and the rest of the public.
For those who are new here, Endowe is an investment gift registry, i.e., a place where your friends and family can contribute directly to your investment portfolio instead of buying you something you’ll return or forget about.
I’ve had conversations with new acquaintances who ask the same question: “I have a wedding coming up, or my birthday is coming up. Can I use this?” And of course I say, “yes, you can!” But the most surprising moment of all happened late last week. We’d literally just opened the platform to let a few users on. And then a new user (not connected to anyone aware that we had opened the platform) found their way in and created a registry for their wedding. They didn’t wait for the announcement. They just showed up because they needed it.
I’m writing this because I want you to see what’s underneath the beautifully wrapped platform. In the midst of the late nights, the small team punching above their weight, and that moment where it feels overwhelming, suddenly someone shows up and validates why we’re doing this in the first place.
If you’re thinking about building something, I want you to know: it’s hard but it’s doable and you’re not alone. Ping me! I have a lot more pep talks that I can share with you 😊.
And if you know someone who’s getting married, graduating, or just starting their financial journey, you now have a way to give them something that actually matters.
See you at Endowe!
With lots of love,
Your godmother Ada
