Rob Walling

Background

Rob Walling attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he studied Computer Science. His early career was in software development, working as a developer and later as a development manager for various companies. This period provided him with direct experience in building software products and managing technical teams.

Major contributions

Rob Walling is a co-founder of TinySeed, the first startup accelerator designed for bootstrapped software companies. He is also the founder of Drip, an email marketing automation platform that was later acquired by Leadpages. Walling is a prolific author and podcaster, having written the book "Start Small, Stay Small: A Developer's Guide to Launching a Startup" and co-hosting the long-running podcast "Startups For the Rest of Us." He is a leading proponent of the "start small" methodology, a framework for bootstrappers and solo founders to systematically build a profitable business without venture capital.

Impact on their field

Walling's work has significantly influenced the bootstrapped startup community. His writings and podcast have provided a practical, actionable roadmap for countless entrepreneurs outside the traditional Silicon Valley venture capital model. The creation of TinySeed institutionalized funding and support for a category of business that was previously underserved. His theories on niche selection, product-market fit, and scalable marketing channels are widely cited as foundational texts for solo founders and small teams.

Current work/relevance

Rob Walling currently serves as a General Partner at TinySeed, where he continues to invest in and mentor early-stage, bootstrapped SaaS companies. He remains an active voice in the entrepreneurship community through his podcast and public speaking engagements. His focus remains on empowering founders to build sustainable, profitable businesses on their own terms.

Rob Walling is an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster who specializes in helping people build profitable software businesses without outside funding. He started his career as a software developer before shifting his focus to the business side of technology. His journey from coder to successful business owner forms the foundation of his practical, experience-driven advice.

Who they are

Rob grew up with a passion for technology and taught himself to code. After working as a software developer for several years, he began launching his own products. He co-founded DotNetInvoice and later launched HitTail, an SEO tool, which he successfully grew and sold. These early ventures taught him the ins and outs of bootstrapping—building a business without venture capital.

Why they matter

Rob is a leading voice in the world of bootstrapped startups. He co-founded TinySeed, the first startup accelerator designed specifically for bootstrappers, providing funding and mentorship to early-stage software companies. He also authored "Start Small, Stay Small," a book that has become a foundational guide for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with limited resources. Through his work, he has helped thousands of founders pursue profitable, sustainable entrepreneurship on their own terms.

What they’re known for

Rob is best known as the host of the popular podcast "Startups For the Rest of Us," which he has co-hosted for over a decade. The show offers actionable advice for founders and has built a large, loyal audience. He is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences and the driving force behind MicroConf, a series of events focused on the unique challenges faced by bootstrapped and self-funded startups. His philosophy emphasizes starting with a small, focused idea and growing it deliberately over time.