How Tom Built Chrome Extension and Raised $8.1M Seed Round
Bubbles is a free screen recorder and AI meeting notetaker that helps turn conversations into actions.
About The Bubbles Founder
Who is Tom Medema?
Tom Medema is the founder and CEO of Bubbles, a workplace productivity platform leading the async revolution. Before Bubbles, Tom Was a Chief Technology Officer at Bloomon, a successful DTC flower delivery service.
As Bubbles' CEO, Tom raised $8.5M in Seed funding and grew Bubbles to over 20,000 monthly active users.
About The Business
What problem is Bubbles solving?
Scheduling live meetings is often time-consuming.
Idea
How did Tom Medema get the idea for Bubbles?
The idea for the extension originated from Tomβs frustration with the inefficiencies of traditional communication methods such as email and Slack.
He found it challenging to effectively convey thoughts and ideas through these platforms, often requiring redundant meetings to clarify points.
Tom noted that existing screen recording tools were inadequate for facilitating a back-and-forth conversation, as they felt more like broadcasting rather than a threaded, interactive discussion. This gap led him to envision a solution.
Build
How did Tom Medema build the initial version of Bubbles?
Bubbles was built using a combination of modern web technologies. The tech stack includes:
- Frontend: React.js for building a dynamic and responsive user interface.
- Backend: Node.js and Express.js for server-side logic and API management.
- Database: MongoDB for storing user data, recordings, and transcriptions.
- Third-Party Integrations: Various APIs for features like AI-powered transcription and integration with calendar applications.
Bubbles Snapshot from 2020
Growth
What is the growth strategy for Bubbles?
Bubbles uses SEO to target its ideal customers. They create valuable content related to productivity, remote work, and efficient communication. By publishing blogs, guides, and case studies, Bubbles attracts users searching for solutions to common work challenges.
In addition, their freemium model helps them build and grow a user base. Offering a free version of the tool with essential features to attract users and then converting them to paid plans by providing advanced functionalities and additional benefitsβ has helped them grow their MRR.
Finally, they leverage word of mouth and referrals. Satisfied users spread the word about the extension and encourage their colleagues to try it.
Bubbles recommendation by a user
Pricing
How does Bubbles price their products?
Bubbles offers the Pro Plan, available @ $8/month, and a custom enterprise plan. They also have a free plan with limited use cases and features.
Bubbles pricing as of June 2024
Similar Ideas
Discover similar business ideas like Bubbles:
TxtCart, an AI-powered SMS marketing company for Shopify stores, has driven over $50M in revenue for clients by leveraging a 20X ROI on SMS strategies, while growing to a $1M ARR and aiming for $3Mβall while remaining bootstrapped.
This case study explores the journey of building Recall, an AI-powered browser extension, and how the founder experienced initial struggles with user retention, sought feedback, made product improvements, and secured VC funding after a viral HackerNews post, leading to a successful launch and continued growth.
More about Bubbles
Who is the owner of Bubbles?
Tom Medema is the founder of Bubbles.
When did Tom Medema start Bubbles?
2018
What is Tom Medema's net worth?
Tom Medema's business makes an average of $160K/month.
How much money has Tom Medema made from Bubbles?
Tom Medema started the business in 2018, and currently makes an average of $1.92M/year.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
