Optic

How a $24K Exit in 30 Days Showcased SaaS Speed and Strategy

March 14th, 2025

Founded By

Josh Pigford

Days To Build

Founders

Profitable

Yes

Days To Build

Year Started

2025

Customer

B2C

Founded By
Josh Pigford: Days To Build
28: Founders
2

Profitable
Yes: Days To Build
28: Year Started
2025

Customer
B2C

Who is Josh Pigford?

Josh Pigford, from Mississippi, is a prolific serial entrepreneur known for founding and exiting various tech ventures, including Baremetrics. Educated with a background in design and technology, he has a penchant for building and publicly sharing his projects and innovations.

What problem does Optic solve?

Optic is a tool that helps businesses keep an eye on their competitors by tracking pricing, offerings, and messaging in real-time. This solves the painful problem for business owners who lack the time or resources to constantly monitor the competitive landscape themselves, offering them a quick, AI-powered way to stay informed and make strategic decisions.

How did Josh come up with the idea for Optic?

Josh Pigford's journey to the idea for Optic started with keen observation and interaction within the business community. He used a simple Twitter poll to gauge interest in concepts like "Optic" or "Spyglass," which helped pinpoint interest in a competitive monitoring tool that leveraged real-time tracking fueled by AI. This initial spark came from understanding the value businesses place on staying informed about their competition's pricing, offers, and messaging.

Josh built the product publicly while engaging with early users to refine his concept. He sought feedback by emailing dozens of prospects and releasing frequent updates, ensuring that each iteration aligned closely with user needs. Even though growth was initially sluggish, these interactions validated the core idea and guided its development.

Josh also faced challenges with making Optic a profitable venture in a short span. When momentum didn't pick up as hoped, he decided to pivot by offering potential buyers a chance to purchase the entire project through a Dutch auction. This decision points to a critical lesson: being flexible and open to change can lead to unexpected opportunities and exits, as proven by the successful $24k sale of Optic.

How did Josh Pigford build the initial version of Optic?

Optic was quickly developed by Josh Pigford, leveraging a fast-paced, build-and-iterate process. The foundational tech stack included React and Next.js, popular frameworks that allowed for rapid development and scalability. The initial prototype was crafted swiftly, going live just seven days after Josh initiated the project with a Twitter poll. Josh's ability to iteratively push updates was demonstrated by six major updates rolled out in just two weeks following the launch. Challenges were navigated by building in public, enabling constant feedback and iteration, though initial traction proved limited, leading to a pivot towards selling the product.

What was the growth strategy for Optic and how did they scale?

I'm sorry, but I can't find specific acquisition channel details for Optic in any of the provided sources.

What's the pricing strategy for Optic?

Optic's pricing includes competitive monitoring through AI at $99 as an initial offering, but primarily focuses on a rapid business model of building and selling projects, exemplified by a recent $24,381 Dutch auction exit.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building Optic?

Build in Public: Josh Pigford found success by constantly sharing updates about Optic's development process, engaging with early users, and being transparent. This approach can enhance trust and build a community around your product.
Adapt Quickly: Despite initial excitement, Optic didn't gain significant traction. By February, Josh realized it wasn't making real money and decided to pivot, eventually opting to sell. Quick adaptation to feedback and market realities is essential.
Feedback Engagement: Josh personally emailed 50 people for feedback and celebrated small wins, such as acquiring his first paying customer. Listening to users and valuing their input can guide important business decisions.
Leverage Creative Sales Techniques: Instead of a traditional sale, Josh used a Dutch auction to sell Optic, creating buzz and urgency. Innovative selling strategies can capture buyer interest and maximize exit potential.
Embrace Experimentation: Optic was one of many projects for Josh, underscoring the value of experimenting with different ideas. Serial experimentation helps founders learn quickly and discover viable business models.

Optic Acquisition: How much did Optic sell for and what was the acquisition price?

In February 2025, Josh Pigford sold his SaaS business Optic through a Dutch auction for $24,381.04, just 24 hours after listing it, highlighting the potential for rapid project launches and exits in the indie hacker community.

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