Nico Jeannen has an incredble learning to code story. He left eCommerce to learn to code and build startups. This led to him to creating TalkNotes, which he sold for $200,000 in June 2024. Read on to learn more about Nico's journey as a developer and founder.
Why did you leave eCommerce?
I had some mild success, but during/after covid, logistics became a headache. I started with dropshipping, and I wanted to start making my own products. Problem is that to receive samples, it easily takes one month with the customs etc. I was annoyed by wasting time, and I wanted full control over the production, so the only solution was to learn to code & make my own products.
Why did you learn to code?
As mentioned above, I like owning 100% of the process, from production to distribution, and code allows me to do that.
How did you learn coding?
I took a course on Udemy (The Complete Web Developer bootcamp by Colt Steele) to get the basics, then I started to make apps. That’s really the only way to learn, just making things.
Why did you decide to make a logo building app and why sell it?
I used AI to make logos for my apps, and I realized the process could also interest other people, so, I gave myself a little challenge to make a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in 48h and it blew up, so I launched on ProductHunt. I sold it because I needed some cashflow, and I couldn’t improve the app further by myself.
Do you have any advice for selling on MicroAcquire?
Make the app a very good deal for the buyer, give plenty of info, including a whole doc of how to improve the app.
Do you have tips for people who want to make AI apps?
Not in particular. AI is not an end by itself, it’s just a tech. Customers don’t care about the tech, they care about the results. Find use cases that AI can do better compared to before, and make an app.
You sold Talk Notes for $200k - do you have tips for making a SaaS for the first time?
Don’t pick a random idea, solve an actual problem you or someone else have. If you have no idea you can still pick something random. It’s better to work on a bad idea than do nothing but don’t waste months on it if it doesn’t get traction.
What advice do you have for people who want to learn to code?
Get a cheap udemy course teaching the basics and launch tons of app, that’s how you actually learn. For language, JavaScript is the most versatile, you can do everything with it.
What are you working on now?
I have a few projects I’m working on but won’t disclose for now, as well as MakerAds.guide / advertising consulting.
