In this episode of the Grownlearn Podcast, I speak with Sean Tepper — Founder & CEO of Tykr — about what it really takes to invest intelligently and build a scalable fintech company from scratch. Sean started with a simple Excel-based stock rating model. Today, Tykr serves over 13,000 customers across 50+ countries and is raising a $1.3M seed round — after achieving strong product-market fit, improving conversion rates from 25% to 70%, and reducing churn below 5%. We discuss: • Where beginners should actually start with investing • Investing vs trading — and why most people confuse the two • The #1 mistake retail investors make • How to avoid losing money in the stock market • Why fundamentals still matter in a tokenized world • How Tykr outperformed the S&P 500 • What real product-market fit looks like before raising capital • SaaS subscription growth strategies that actually work Sean also shares transparent performance data, marketing insights (including YouTube as a lead engine), and why open-source calculations helped build trust with both users and regulators. If you're a founder, investor, SaaS builder, or simply someone who wants to make smarter long-term financial decisions — this episode delivers clarity. 🎯 About Sean Tepper Founder & CEO of Tykr.com Entrepreneur. Investor. Educator. Serving 13,000+ investors in 50+ countries. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📺 Take a peek at our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Explore Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with GrowNLearn GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures across Europe and the U.S. We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit. 🎯 No random pitches. No wasted time. Just targeted growth and curated deal flow. 📌 Want Curated Investment Deals? 👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎧 Listen to the GrowNLearn Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/ 📲 Follow Us on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/ Success Mindset Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healnlearn --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📈 Tools for Investors & Founders Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors: https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/ FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85 💬 Ready to connect with investor-ready ventures or expert advisors? Schedule your 1:1 session → https://grownlearn.org/ 🎬 Episode Chapters 01:15 - 06:35: From Service Business to SaaS – Building Tykr from an Excel Model 06:35 - 08:41: Tykr vs S&P 500 – Investment Performance & Stock Rating System 08:41 - 12:04: Market Pullbacks, Bear Cycles & Long-Term Investing Strategy 12:04 - 13:54: Value Investing vs Tokenization – Why Fundamentals Still Win 13:54 - 16:02: Raising $1.3M Seed – Product-Market Fit & Capital Strategy 16:02 - 20:19: SaaS Growth Tactics – Lowering Churn & Increasing Conversions 20:19 - 22:51: Global Team Building & Lean Startup Execution 22:51 - 25:03: YouTube as a Lead Engine & Organic Growth Strategy 25:03 - End: Open-Source Transparency & Final Investment Advice

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