In 2007, Gary Brewer set out to solve a problem: figuring out what technologies websites were built with. What started as a small side project turned into a tool used by businesses worldwide. Today, BuiltWith generates over $14 million per year with one full-time employee – proof that all it takes is a smart idea and the right execution.
How BuiltWith Started
The birth of BuiltWith stemmed from Brewer’s curiosity about technologies powering various startup websites. Realizing the absence of an easy way to uncover this information, he created a platform that simplified the process.
This initiative was not driven by a desire to start a business but by Brewer’s interest in the technology itself. However, the value of the service quickly became evident as users began to see its potential for lead generation and market research.
Efficiency and Automation
Based in Sydney, Brewer initially balanced his corporate job with his work on BuiltWith, dedicating evenings to the project for four years. His commitment to maintaining a lean operation was clear from the start; he envisioned a business model that avoided the complexities of managing a team. This vision has remained a cornerstone of BuiltWith’s operations, emphasizing automation and efficiency over expansion.
By 2011, BuiltWith was already pulling in $40,000 per month, an impressive sum for something he was running on the side. That’s when Andrew Rogers, a developer working on a similar idea, encouraged him to go all-in. Brewer did, and growth exploded.
Business Model
BuiltWith’s business model revolves around a subscription-based service that ranges from $295 to $995. The company provides detailed analytics and data for lead generation, sales intelligence, and market analysis.
BuiltWith’s clientele includes the likes of marketing professionals and hedge funds who use the data for purposes ranging from competitive analysis to investment decisions. The service has proven valuable for identifying potential customers, with businesses using BuiltWith’s data to target users of competing services.
Streamlining Operations
Despite its strong revenue, BuiltWith has kept its operation streamlined. Brewer has focused on automating as much of the business as possible, from customer service to data analysis. This not only keeps operational costs low but allows Brewer to dedicate time to developing new tools.
BuiltWith is a masterclass in lean entrepreneurship. With a small team, smart automation, and a highly valuable product, Brewer has built a company that thrives without the usual startup playbook. It’s proof that sometimes, staying small can lead to big success.
