We aimed to build an analytics platform that allows investors to answer their own questions using credit card data.

Initially, we used screen scraping to collect financial data from banks, as many did not have APIs in place, but we aimed to partner with banks to create a more efficient system.

Our strategy has always been to build the API for bank account linking, but we also aim to leverage the data we collect to create valuable analytics products that can transform financial services.

We took out a credit card and set up meetings with potential investors, knowing that if we didn't raise money, we would have to shut down the company.

Investors and companies use Second Measure's platform to understand company performance, which has led to a growing customer base beyond just investors.

We did not expect the first batch of startups to make money; it was an experiment for us to learn how to be investors, which shaped our approach to supporting founders.

Credit card data is excellent for predicting consumer trends, but it has limitations when it comes to companies that don't sell directly to consumers.

We prefer to build products in-house but decided to acquire X1 to quickly enter the credit card space and offer a competitive product.

To gain the trust of early customers, we initially targeted fellow companies in Y Combinator who were also new and had never paid themselves, which was a strategic move to build our initial customer base.