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Podcast: DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer
Episode: Episode 354: Building AI-Powered Companies Through Strategic Bootstrapping with Hikari Senju
Description: Hikari Senju did something different. While everyone else was chasing VCs, he built Omneky to millions in revenue first.
After seeing AI generate art at MIT, this Harvard CS grad knew the future. But when investors didn't bite in 2018 ("AI is vaporware," "advertising is too competitive"), he didn't give up. He bootstrapped.
Two years. Living hand-to-mouth. Building real revenue.
His philosophy: "Build a company that deserves capital."
The result? When he finally raised money, he had leverage. He was selecting partners, not begging for checks.
Three insights from our...