Join us for an exclusive interview with Erik Allebest, the founder of Chess.com. Learn about his journey from a small-town entrepreneur to the CEO of a multi-million dollar online chess platform.
Discover how Erik bootstrapped Chess.com, overcame challenges, and navigated the ever-changing tech landscape. Get insights into the company's growth strategy, its unique remote work culture, and the future of online chess.
Key topics:
The early days of Chess.com and its struggles
Building a successful business without external funding
The role of remote work in the company's growth
The impact of the Queen's Gambit and other factors on Chess.com's popularity
Future plans for Chess.com and the online chess community
Don't miss this in-depth look at one of the most successful online chess platforms!
#chess #chess.com #entrepreneur #onlinebusiness #remotework #technology
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:06 - Everyday Leadership
00:01:18 - Eric's background
00:02:19 - Building a business
00:03:02 - Chess.com
00:04:00 - Educational background
00:05:29 - First business
00:06:30 - Planning vs. doing
00:07:30 - Acquiring chess.com
00:08:37 - Early challenges
00:10:00 - Initial vision for Chess.com
00:11:00 - Transitioning to an online platform
00:12:40 - Customer acquisition
00:14:38 - Focus on chess.com
00:16:59 - SEO strategy
00:18:00 - Building without external capital
00:20:01 - Personal investment
00:21:11 - Building the product
00:22:53 - Financial performance
00:23:37 - Factors contributing to growth
00:24:38 - Doubts and pivots
00:26:17 - Maintaining focus
00:27:40 - Future plans for Chess.com
00:28:39 - Challenges and concerns
00:29:19 - Remote work
00:31:02 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
00:32:38 - Favorite entrepreneur
00:33:27 - Favorite book
00:33:58 - Life hack
00:34:17 - Closing remarks