Speedrun Startup Challenge

It’s possible to code a startup in 24 hours by yourself.

When Pat Walls live-streamed himself building and launching a startup in 24 hours two years ago, he not only proved it but also inspired a whole generation of makers to do the same, like Pieter Levels and his 12 startups in 12 months challenge before him.

I didn’t participate in the 24 Hour Startup Challenge  back then, but I’ve been entertaining the idea  to do something similar in September when I’ll be done with the new Cowriters app. 

The idea would be to build a startup as fast as possible on a tiny budget, by relying on free open-source or homemade tools to automate my workflow, recycling the infrastructure I’m already using for other products (web hosting, email API, etc.), and my knowledge of my tech stack. 

It would be the ultimate test for my programming, product, and marketing skills: a sort of speedrun of digital product making. 

In a speedrun, the contestant has to record herself completing a whole video game as fast as possible, using glitches and her deep knowledge of the game.

In the startup world, the flow could be adapted by automating the development of the most essential parts of a Software-as-a-Service product (SCRUD management, auth, text editing, emailing, online payment), using keyboard shortcuts, and OS/CLI tools. I would record myself the whole time without speaking, and possibly use the live chat to quickly reach a minimum likable product.

The challenge would start at the creation of the Github repository and end with the first sale. I’d come prepared with an idea, a detailed plan, and architecture diagrams, and just code and communicate about the product the whole time.

It would also be a good recurring format for a Youtube channel.