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9 Lessons From TBPN's $100M+ Exit

In a candid conversation recorded live at Press Publish LA, the founders of a daily tech show reveal the unconventional strategies that led to a nine-figure acquisition by OpenAI. They discuss the power of niching down, the importance of a unique brand identity, and why they never intended to sell their company.
John Coogan and Jordi Hays, the creators of TBPN, explain how their 'nichemaxx' strategy—targeting a specific audience of 200,000 in Silicon Valley rather than chasing mass views—was key to their success. They emphasize the advantages of a daily live show format for rapid iteration and timely reactions. The duo also details their branding approach, including a unique set design and embracing advertising as part of the show's aesthetic. Crucially, they share that their nine-figure acquisition by OpenAI came without ever trying to sell the company, advocating for a 'golden retriever' mindset of being friendly and humble. They advise creators to focus on their niche and avoid vanity metrics, as optimizing for views alone would have led to a different outcome.
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05:51
Target a niche, not the masses.
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18:27
We treat ads as a core aesthetic, not a necessary evil.
30:21
30:21
Companies are bought, not sold.