What Drives Tech Founders? Lessons from Building ShowMeBug and Multiple Startups

Why Start a Business?

The author explains that the initial motivation was to change the world and create something meaningful, but soon realized that entrepreneurship is also a practical path to wealth freedom, especially in a city like Shenzhen that welcomes new ideas.

Preparing for Entrepreneurship

Starting a venture often begins with a small, concrete problem (e.g., solving video upload issues). Success requires courage, a clear purpose, and continuous learning, because founders will inevitably face setbacks such as financial loss, debt, or even family strain.

2014 – Equity‑Crowdfunding Platform

In 2014 the author co‑founded a equity‑crowdfunding platform with an experienced investor. After six months of development, the product saw limited usage due to scarce resources, forcing the founder to also handle business development. The venture ended in early 2015, and the code was open‑sourced, helping other platforms.

2016 – 百分之八十科技 (80% Tech)

In 2016 the author launched a SaaS mini‑program called “Tiange”. The team grew to about 60 people with a 1:1 tech‑to‑market ratio, leading to high personnel costs. Rapid expansion of agents caused product bloat and cash‑flow problems, prompting a strategic decision to merge with a stronger company.

Key Reflections from the 2018 Venture

Money is not the most important factor; success does not require a money‑centric industry.

Do not trust resource promises blindly; many resources depend on external platforms.

Co‑founders must be full‑time and have a partnership period of at least six months.

Continuously improve personal technical and product knowledge.

Equity splits need ongoing adjustment; a static 51:49 split can cause conflict.

Financial discipline—balance cost control with revenue generation—is essential.

2019 – ShowMeBug

After a stint in tech recruitment, the author identified a pain point in remote technical interviews and launched ShowMeBug in June 2019. The product grew to 3,000+ users by year‑end, surged to 10,000 users during the COVID‑19 pandemic, and reached over 50,000 users by October 2020, achieving significant daily interview volume and revenue.

Lessons from ShowMeBug

Strong technical fundamentals are the foundation of any successful tech venture.

Transform technical skills into tangible products; side projects can become core offerings.

Adopt a founder’s mindset: be the first to act, take responsibility, and stay resilient.

Continuous learning and systematic trial‑and‑error are vital for long‑term growth.

Choosing a Direction

Future trends (e.g., 5G, remote hiring) suggest focusing on small, solvable problems that align with broader industry shifts. ShowMeBug illustrates how a niche remote‑interview tool can evolve into a larger HR solution.

Money and Financing

Effective founders manage financing cycles and cost control, aiming to spend 50 k and earn 100 k, thereby proving societal value and generating wealth.

Final Advice

Joining a startup can be an optimal career move for technologists: acquire 1‑3 % equity, choose a promising niche, and balance equity with a salary to mitigate risk while gaining real‑world product experience.