RWND
Launching cool product ideas fast
I helped Zarfo launch RWND as a Product Manager, helping the team focus on innovation and product launches. RWND was cool enough Facebook copied it with Boomerang and RWND achieved traction in Asia before TikTok.
Our team built the prototype 3 weeks and launched publicly a mere 4 weeks later.
We launched 4 apps rapid fire, as the startup ran low on funds. When RWND took off in Asia, VCs in Australia (our headquarters) didn't see value in its traction and were concerned when Facebook released Boomerang with very similar features and branding.
Our thesis was that "tricks" or filters and very short form social entertainment would catch on.
I believe TikTok proves we were right. We had a great product, good traction, and just ran out of runway. I learned that I should go with my gut and that competitors copying you is a signal that you may be onto something.