I recorded this 1 year ago to myself

February 15th, 2025 - A Year-Ahead Update & Predictions

Key Concepts:

• Bump UPS: The software company Corbin is currently developing.
• MMR (Monthly Recurring Revenue): A key metric for SaaS businesses, representing predictable revenue generated each month.
• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and specifications that software programs can follow to communicate with each other.
• Zapier & Pipedream: Integration platforms allowing connection between different web applications.
• ROI (Return on Investment): The benefit an investor receives in relation to the investment’s cost.
• Snowball Effect (YouTube Algorithm): A theorized phenomenon where initial momentum on YouTube leads to accelerated growth.

I. Current Status & Company Overview (Bump UPS)

As of February 15th, 2025, Corbin is focused on preparing Bump UPS for a funding round, specifically seeking Venture Capital (VC) investment. While the success of this fundraising effort is uncertain, the company has experienced significant growth – described as “thousands of percent increase” from a starting point of zero – in the past 2-5 months. Currently, Bump UPS has approximately 13 internal employees and is initiating its first intern program (January-April). A core development priority is building a full-blown API documentation, with planned integrations with Zapier and Pipedream. This API integration is seen as a key component for future growth and developer adoption.

II. Content Creation & YouTube Channel

Corbin’s YouTube channel currently has around 80,000 subscribers. A major planned content initiative is a comprehensive playlist documenting the creation of creative software “from zero lines to all the way to monetization.” This playlist is contingent on the completion of the Bump UPS API documentation. The intention is to create a free starter app leveraging the API, providing a practical use case and driving exposure for Bump UPS. Corbin expresses uncertainty about consistent posting, questioning if this video will be a re-emergence after a potential 6-month hiatus.

III. Personal & Professional Growth – The First 16 Months

Corbin reflects on the initial phase of dedicating oneself to a craft or goal, stating that the first year to 16 months are the most “labored intensive.” He notes a shift in the relationship between input (effort) and output (results) after this initial period. While consistent effort remains, the output has significantly improved. He contrasts this experience with a previous 3.5-year venture, noting differing dynamics between input and output.

IV. Predictions for February 15th, 2026

Corbin makes several predictions for one year in the future:

• YouTube Subscribers: He estimates reaching 170,000 subscribers, acknowledging this is a speculative figure.
• Bump UPS MMR: If successful, he projects Bump UPS achieving $20,000 - $30,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MMR).
• Location: He anticipates not being based in Texas anymore, potentially returning to California or moving internationally. He clarifies his move to Texas was primarily a business and personal decision, not a lifelong aspiration.
• Content Quality: He acknowledges a significant improvement in content quality and presentation skills compared to his videos from 2023 and 2024.

V. The YouTube Algorithm & The "Snowball Effect"

Corbin expresses skepticism about the “Snowball Effect” often discussed in relation to the YouTube algorithm. He states he hasn’t personally experienced it, observing instead consistent growth. He acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the algorithm and its impact on content visibility.

VI. Planned Future Content & Travel Channel

Corbin intends to further develop his travel channel, “Corbin Wand,” and hopes to lean into that content style. He also maintains his current outro style, suggesting a continuation of his established video format.

Notable Quotes:

• “Where you think you’re going to be in a year from now you basically can’t really bet on it. It’s very unpredictable.”
• “The first year to 16 months of really dedicating yourself to a craft or a goal is going to be the most labored intensive year to year and a half of your entire life.”
• “I haven’t seen [the Snowball Effect]. I’ve just seen consistent growth.”

Technical Terms Explained:

• VC (Venture Capital): Funding provided to startups and small businesses with high growth potential.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): A software distribution model where applications are hosted by a provider and made available to customers over the internet.
• Get Repo: A reference to a Git repository, a version control system used for collaborative software development.

Logical Connections:

The video follows a logical progression from outlining the current situation with Bump UPS and Corbin’s YouTube channel, to reflecting on past experiences and projecting future outcomes. The discussion of the API documentation and starter app directly connects to the planned content creation and potential growth of Bump UPS. The personal reflections on growth and the YouTube algorithm provide context for the predictions made.

Data & Statistics:

• YouTube Subscribers (Current): Approximately 80,000
• Bump UPS Employee Count: 13 internal employees + intern program
• Projected Bump UPS MMR (One Year): $20,000 - $30,000 (if successful)
• Growth Rate (Past 2-5 Months): “Thousands of percent increase” from zero.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

This video serves as a time capsule, capturing Corbin’s current state and aspirations as of February 15th, 2025. It highlights his focus on scaling Bump UPS through funding and API development, coupled with a commitment to content creation on YouTube. The video’s core message emphasizes the unpredictable nature of progress and the importance of consistent effort, particularly during the initial stages of pursuing a goal. The predictions for the future, while speculative, provide a benchmark for evaluating growth and change one year from now. The video’s value lies in its candid reflection and actionable insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a software company and a personal brand online.