How Ryan Darani and His Co-Founders Turned $9,000 into a $30,000 MRR Startup
How Ryan Darani and His Co-Founders Turned $9,000 into a $30,000 MRR Startup
Dec 10, 2024
Ryan Darani
Ryan Darani
⏳ 6 min
⏳ 6 min
Revenue/month
Revenue/month
$30,000
$30,000
$30,000
No. of founders
No. of founders
2
2
2
Startup costs
Startup costs
$9K
$9K
$9K
Company type
Company type
Company type
SaaS
SaaS
SaaS
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
When three seasoned SEO professionals—Ryan Darani, Chris Riley, and Dan Beynon—set out to address a glaring gap in the market, they weren’t chasing a dream. They were executing a vision. The result? Cuppa AI, an all-in-one, scalable SEO content generator that turns AI into a profitable asset for content creators, agencies, and marketers. Let's dive into their journey from making $9K/month to scaling their startup to $30K/month.
When three seasoned SEO professionals—Ryan Darani, Chris Riley, and Dan Beynon—set out to address a glaring gap in the market, they weren’t chasing a dream. They were executing a vision. The result? Cuppa AI, an all-in-one, scalable SEO content generator that turns AI into a profitable asset for content creators, agencies, and marketers. Let's dive into their journey from making $9K/month to scaling their startup to $30K/month.
What is Cuppa AI?
What is Cuppa AI?
Cuppa AI is more than just another AI writing tool—it’s a platform built for scale and profitability. Where competitors rack up costs as they expand, Cuppa thrives by integrating new AI models, lowering production costs, and passing those savings directly to customers.
The platform’s target audience includes:
Content creators looking to streamline their writing.
Affiliate marketers aiming to produce revenue-driving content.
Website owners scaling up without breaking the bank.
Content agencies managing multiple client projects.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill AI writer; Cuppa is designed for programmatic SEO. That means users can generate optimized, high-ranking content at pennies on the dollar—a game-changer for anyone aiming to scale without compromise. But how did they build this?
Cuppa AI is more than just another AI writing tool—it’s a platform built for scale and profitability. Where competitors rack up costs as they expand, Cuppa thrives by integrating new AI models, lowering production costs, and passing those savings directly to customers.
The platform’s target audience includes:
Content creators looking to streamline their writing.
Affiliate marketers aiming to produce revenue-driving content.
Website owners scaling up without breaking the bank.
Content agencies managing multiple client projects.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill AI writer; Cuppa is designed for programmatic SEO. That means users can generate optimized, high-ranking content at pennies on the dollar—a game-changer for anyone aiming to scale without compromise. But how did they build this?
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➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
The First Breakthrough: Validating the Idea
The First Breakthrough: Validating the Idea
Chris Riley, with a decade of media site experience, spotted the opportunity when AI content tools like ChatGPT began gaining traction in early 2023.
Here’s the problem: AI-generated content was either too expensive, too basic, or too difficult to integrate at scale.
Chris pitched the idea to his co-founders, and their collective 25 years of SEO experience gave them the confidence to tackle it head-on. The team knew the hurdles:
Prompt Engineering – Making AI produce content tailored to specific needs.
Retaining Brand Voice – Avoiding generic, cookie-cutter results.
Content Manipulation at Scale – Turning raw AI outputs into polished assets.
Their lightbulb moment? AI models like ChatGPT were just the beginning. By building a platform that evolves alongside these tools, they could offer a cutting-edge product continuously optimized for cost and quality.
The validation came quickly. Within the first weekend of sales, Cuppa generated $9,000 in revenue—recouping their initial investment.
Chris Riley, with a decade of media site experience, spotted the opportunity when AI content tools like ChatGPT began gaining traction in early 2023.
Here’s the problem: AI-generated content was either too expensive, too basic, or too difficult to integrate at scale.
Chris pitched the idea to his co-founders, and their collective 25 years of SEO experience gave them the confidence to tackle it head-on. The team knew the hurdles:
Prompt Engineering – Making AI produce content tailored to specific needs.
Retaining Brand Voice – Avoiding generic, cookie-cutter results.
Content Manipulation at Scale – Turning raw AI outputs into polished assets.
Their lightbulb moment? AI models like ChatGPT were just the beginning. By building a platform that evolves alongside these tools, they could offer a cutting-edge product continuously optimized for cost and quality.
The validation came quickly. Within the first weekend of sales, Cuppa generated $9,000 in revenue—recouping their initial investment.
Building the Product
Building the Product
The founders didn’t start from scratch. In February 2023, they acquired the initial framework of Cuppa for $9,000 via a networking connection on X (formerly Twitter). While the framework wasn’t user-ready, it gave them a head start.
Step-by-Step Build Process
Purchase the Framework – They bought an early prototype that lacked subscribers but had potential.
Development Sprint – Over 4–6 weeks, they transformed it into a functional product.
Focus on Scalability – They built features allowing users to seamlessly integrate the latest AI models.
Launch with Simplicity – Instead of overloading with features, they focused on an intuitive MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
The founders didn’t start from scratch. In February 2023, they acquired the initial framework of Cuppa for $9,000 via a networking connection on X (formerly Twitter). While the framework wasn’t user-ready, it gave them a head start.
Step-by-Step Build Process
Purchase the Framework – They bought an early prototype that lacked subscribers but had potential.
Development Sprint – Over 4–6 weeks, they transformed it into a functional product.
Focus on Scalability – They built features allowing users to seamlessly integrate the latest AI models.
Launch with Simplicity – Instead of overloading with features, they focused on an intuitive MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
The Launch Strategy: Building Buzz and FOMO
The Launch Strategy: Building Buzz and FOMO
Launching Cuppa was a masterclass in organic marketing. The team tapped into their existing networks and social media presence, particularly on X, to generate buzz.
Key Tactics
Building in Public: For a month leading up to the launch, they shared updates, sneak peeks, and teasers about Cuppa.
Leveraging Networks: Friends with large followings amplified their message.
Creating Urgency: By highlighting customer wins and sharing real-time success stories, they triggered FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Their approach was entirely organic and authentic. No aggressive sales tactics—just a solid product solving a real problem. The results? An enthusiastic audience eager to try Cuppa.
Launching Cuppa was a masterclass in organic marketing. The team tapped into their existing networks and social media presence, particularly on X, to generate buzz.
Key Tactics
Building in Public: For a month leading up to the launch, they shared updates, sneak peeks, and teasers about Cuppa.
Leveraging Networks: Friends with large followings amplified their message.
Creating Urgency: By highlighting customer wins and sharing real-time success stories, they triggered FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Their approach was entirely organic and authentic. No aggressive sales tactics—just a solid product solving a real problem. The results? An enthusiastic audience eager to try Cuppa.
Winning First Customers
Winning First Customers
Cuppa’s early customers came from the founders’ network. Years of relationship-building in the SEO and marketing communities paid off.
The Golden Rule They Followed:
People want simplicity. Simplicity sells.
Instead of overloading users with features, they presented Cuppa as an easy-to-use tool that could integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.
One critical lesson from their past failures: Don’t ship complicated products. Simplicity isn’t just user-friendly—it’s essential for building trust with early adopters.
Cuppa’s early customers came from the founders’ network. Years of relationship-building in the SEO and marketing communities paid off.
The Golden Rule They Followed:
People want simplicity. Simplicity sells.
Instead of overloading users with features, they presented Cuppa as an easy-to-use tool that could integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.
One critical lesson from their past failures: Don’t ship complicated products. Simplicity isn’t just user-friendly—it’s essential for building trust with early adopters.
Scaling Up: From $9K to $30K MRR
Scaling Up: From $9K to $30K MRR
After the launch buzz settled, the team focused on scaling sustainably. Their growth channels?
Organic Social Media – X threads, Reddit posts, and TikTok were instrumental in driving traffic and building curiosity.
Email Marketing – They used emails not just for sales but for creating long-term relationships with customers.
By capturing emails, they built an engaged audience they could upsell, cross-sell, and keep updated.
(Cuppa.ai's revenue as of oct.2024 - source: starterstory)
After the launch buzz settled, the team focused on scaling sustainably. Their growth channels?
Organic Social Media – X threads, Reddit posts, and TikTok were instrumental in driving traffic and building curiosity.
Email Marketing – They used emails not just for sales but for creating long-term relationships with customers.
By capturing emails, they built an engaged audience they could upsell, cross-sell, and keep updated.
(Cuppa.ai's revenue as of oct.2024 - source: starterstory)
What Makes Cuppa Different?
What Makes Cuppa Different?
Lowering Costs Over Time
As new AI models become available, Cuppa integrates them quickly, reducing content generation costs. These savings are passed on to users, unlike competitors who raise prices with each new model.Lean Operations
The team keeps expenses low, reinvesting profits back into development and marketing.Customer Experience
Cuppa’s focus is on reducing time-to-value for its users.
Lowering Costs Over Time
As new AI models become available, Cuppa integrates them quickly, reducing content generation costs. These savings are passed on to users, unlike competitors who raise prices with each new model.Lean Operations
The team keeps expenses low, reinvesting profits back into development and marketing.Customer Experience
Cuppa’s focus is on reducing time-to-value for its users.
Financial Snapshot
Financial Snapshot
As of October 2024, Cuppa is thriving with:
$30,000 Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
1,200 Paying Subscribers
4–6% Monthly Growth
Their lean structure means high profitability, though most profits are reinvested into the product.
As of October 2024, Cuppa is thriving with:
$30,000 Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
1,200 Paying Subscribers
4–6% Monthly Growth
Their lean structure means high profitability, though most profits are reinvested into the product.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Focus on Distribution
“You could have the best product in the world, but without a way to ship it to masses of people, you’ll struggle to grow.”
Timing Matters
The team acknowledges that luck and timing played a role in their success. Recognizing market demand early was crucial.
Build with a Team
“Building with people is more fun than building alone. Find co-founders who complement your weaknesses.”
Focus on Distribution
“You could have the best product in the world, but without a way to ship it to masses of people, you’ll struggle to grow.”
Timing Matters
The team acknowledges that luck and timing played a role in their success. Recognizing market demand early was crucial.
Build with a Team
“Building with people is more fun than building alone. Find co-founders who complement your weaknesses.”
What’s Next for Cuppa AI?
What’s Next for Cuppa AI?
Short-term Goals: Reach $50K MRR by early 2025.
Long-term Vision: Expand into broader markets, including social media, essays, and newsletters.
Revenue Target: Hit $3M in ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) within five years, with the potential to sell the company.
Short-term Goals: Reach $50K MRR by early 2025.
Long-term Vision: Expand into broader markets, including social media, essays, and newsletters.
Revenue Target: Hit $3M in ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) within five years, with the potential to sell the company.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Embrace the Grind
“Building something is difficult, and you should come into this game knowing that.”
Be Patient
Success can take years, and there’s no rush. Focus on enjoying the process.Solve Real Problems
Products that address genuine pain points are more likely to succeed.
Embrace the Grind
“Building something is difficult, and you should come into this game knowing that.”
Be Patient
Success can take years, and there’s no rush. Focus on enjoying the process.Solve Real Problems
Products that address genuine pain points are more likely to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Cuppa AI’s story is a testament to what’s possible when experience meets opportunity. They didn’t reinvent the wheel; they simply identified a gap, executed flawlessly, and stayed laser-focused on providing value.
If you’re looking to start your own business, take a page out of their book: start small, think big, and make every move count.
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Cuppa.ai, Starter Story ⇢ Great resources
Cuppa AI’s story is a testament to what’s possible when experience meets opportunity. They didn’t reinvent the wheel; they simply identified a gap, executed flawlessly, and stayed laser-focused on providing value.
If you’re looking to start your own business, take a page out of their book: start small, think big, and make every move count.
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Cuppa.ai, Starter Story ⇢ Great resources
