Nathan Barry

Background

Nathan Barry attended Boise State University, where he studied graphic design. His early career was rooted in user interface and user experience design, working as a lead designer for companies like MetaLab and as an independent consultant. This foundational work in design directly informed his later entrepreneurial ventures, which are heavily focused on product creation and user-centric business models.

Major Contributions

Nathan Barry is the founder of ConvertKit, an email marketing platform designed specifically for online creators. He is also the creator of the web application design tool, Powerhouse. Beyond his companies, he is a noted author on the subject of SaaS (Software as a Service) business growth and marketing. His published works, which detail his first-hand experience in bootstrapping a multi-million dollar company, are considered significant contributions to entrepreneurial knowledge.

Founder of ConvertKit

Creator of Powerhouse

Author of Authority and The ConvertKit Guide to Selling Your First Product

Impact on their Field

Barry's primary impact has been in demonstrating the viability of bootstrapped, creator-focused SaaS businesses. ConvertKit grew significantly without external venture capital funding, serving as a case study for a customer-funded growth model. His transparent sharing of revenue numbers, business strategies, and marketing tactics has provided a valuable public framework for other entrepreneurs and has influenced how many SaaS companies approach marketing and community building.

Current Work/Relevance

Nathan Barry remains the CEO of ConvertKit, which continues to be a major player in the email marketing space for creators. He is an active speaker at industry conferences, sharing insights on bootstrapping, email marketing, and building a business for a specific audience. His writings and public talks continue to be a relevant resource for new entrepreneurs and the creator economy at large.

Who They Are

Nathan Barry is an entrepreneur, author, and designer who started his career by building software products and sharing his journey online. He is the founder of ConvertKit, an email marketing platform designed specifically for online creators. Before that, he worked as a designer and wrote several books on design and web application development, funding his early projects through direct sales to his growing audience. His background is rooted in self-education and a passion for teaching others what he learns.

Why They Matter

Nathan Barry is a significant figure in the world of online business and creator economics. His key achievements demonstrate a powerful model for building a successful company from the ground up.

He bootstrapped ConvertKit to over $2 million in annual revenue before accepting any outside investment, proving that venture capital isn't the only path to massive success.
He is a pioneer in the "Authority" method of marketing, which focuses on building an audience by teaching valuable skills and then creating products they want to buy.
Under his leadership, ConvertKit has grown into a multi-million dollar company that serves tens of thousands of creators, helping them build businesses and connect with their audiences.

What They’re Known For

Nathan Barry is best known for founding ConvertKit, the email marketing software that powers countless bloggers, YouTubers, and other online entrepreneurs. However, his influence extends beyond the software itself.

He is widely recognized for his popular books, including "Authority," which outlines his method for building a successful audience and business.
He is known for his transparent sharing of business numbers and strategies, openly discussing revenue, challenges, and tactics on his blog and in interviews.
His annual presentations at events like the ConvertKit Creator Summit, where he shares industry insights and company goals, have become highly anticipated events in the creator community.