I sent a DM and eventually got interviewed by Stripe...

I was doomscrolling on X (as you do) and a Xeet caught my eye.

A PM from Stripe was talking about how they were working on this Apps SDK that would let anyone build an app on top of Stripe. Not using their API but a literal third party app running inside their Dashboard that would extend their current functionality.

The consequences of this blew my mind. If what they were saying was true, it would mean you get to borrow Stripe’s credibility and sell to Stripes’ customers which are cash loaded businesses (I mean you’re using Stripe cuz you’re processing payments right?)

I spent the next 3 days spilling my blood and sweat in Figma, created 5 design prototypes of apps I thought would add value to current Stripe customers.

Took a screenshot of my favorite use case and DM’ed the PM.

A week later, I get a reply - “would love to meet” - HOLY SHIT!

We got on a call and I showed him everything I had done. He asked me - how long would it take build this one app. I blurted out 2 weeks and he said ok - gave me early access to the docs that only top companies in the world had at that point.

I ended up being the first indie developer to have his app published on the Stripe app store, 6 months before anybody else. Within a year, we had 1500+ small businesses using us and I was able to sell the company.

Turns out, if you have a moment of inspiration, don’t wait 6 months, jump at it head first.

PS I got interviewed by Stripe for this

The calendar event that changed it all: