From Zero to $100M: The Story of So-Col
Introduction
In early 2022, I joined Socol, a budding startup in the Web3 space. As part of the founding team, I had the exciting opportunity to help build the MVP that led to our first investment. It was thrilling to witness the rapid evolution of the company and be a part of its growth journey.
Building the Foundation: Crafting the MVP
From day one, I worked closely with the founders, design, and development teams to build the platform from scratch. This collaborative effort culminated in the creation of the MVP, which attracted our initial round of investment.
Diverse Projects: Website, Application, and Content Creation
At Socol, I engaged in a variety of projects, ranging from designing the website and application to creating engaging content for Instagram and other channels. One of the most exciting projects was IreneDao, a community on Discord and Telegram. It all started when the founder asked me to create some fun stickers. These stickers went viral, eventually transforming into a limited edition NFT collection that sold for $7.5 million.
The Success of IreneDao: A Viral NFT Collection
The success of IreneDao was a turning point. The limited edition NFT collection attracted high-profile buyers, including celebrities like Logan Paul. The $7.5 million raised from the NFT sales was donated to charity, highlighting the positive impact of our innovative efforts.
Expanding Engagement: Instagram AR Filters
In addition to my design and development work, I also ventured into creating Instagram AR filters to boost engagement during Socol's offline events. These filters generated buzz and significantly increased interaction during the events.
Beyond Design: Multifaceted Contributions
My role at Socol extended beyond creating graphics and UX designs. I was involved in community management and various other aspects, making my contributions multifaceted.
Personal and Professional Growth
"Working at Socol has taught me so much about product design, development, marketing, and working with a fully remote global team."
Achieving a $100 Million Valuation
Contributing to a startup that achieved a $100 million valuation was incredibly valuable. These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally, eventually aiding in the development of my own startup.
Key Success Factors: What Made Socol Work?
Several factors contributed to our success:
- Innovative Ideas: We constantly pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
- Collaborative Effort: Working closely with a talented team ensured the seamless execution of projects.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with our community through platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Instagram was crucial.
- Agility and Adaptability: Quickly adapting to new trends and technologies kept us ahead of the curve.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics to inform our strategies was key. For example, the Instagram AR filters saw a 30% boost in event engagement, and our iterative approach to product development led to a 20% increase in user retention month-over-month.
Conclusion: A Journey of Innovation and Growth
My journey with Socol is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement in the Web3 space. The experiences and lessons learned have been invaluable, shaping my approach to future projects and ventures.
As I move forward, I carry the lessons learned from Socol, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities with the same determination and innovative spirit. Thank you for reading my story.