The trend is not lost on founders or funders. Consumer-facing tech startups are generally seen as viable once they hit a minimum of 10,000 users. Yet, with little to no revenue, engaging an influencer to promote a launch is rarely an option. 

Adryenn Ashley, the founder of Slay Ventures, meets thousands of founders annually, many seeking funding to launch or grow before they have demonstrated a proven return on investment. “For early-stage founders, it’s a classic catch-22. They need investment to reach the pivotal 10,000-user mark, but they can’t secure investment until they achieve that milestone. This paradox often prevents startups from ever making it to market, as they run out of runway before they can scale.”