Q&A with Andrae Washington, Co-Founder of BingeBuilder

This post is part of a series where we interview Chisos portfolio company founders.

Today, we're talking with Andrae Washington, Co-Founder of BingeBuilder, a startup that helps creators grow their following and maximize their creative career.

BingeBuilder is support network for early-stage creators, empowering them to access creative production, business coaching, and financial support in exchange for future profits. BingeBuilder was a UC Berkeley Law 2021 Form + Fund accelerator company.

Getting to Know BingeBuilder Co-Founder Andrae Washington

• Location: Harlem, NY
• What are you listening to on repeat right now? I like French rap, even though I can't speak French.
• Do you have a favorite book, movie, or podcast? My favorite book is Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison. My favorite movie is The Usual Suspects. And my favorite podcast is the Michigan Wolverines pod (I know, I know) but I also enjoy Roy's Job Fair.
• What app do you use the most, beside texting apps? Probably Telegram for fundraising, or Google Maps
• What did you want to be when you were a kid? In the Army
• What three words or phrases would your friends use to describe you? Hilarious, Passionate, Empathetic
  

Tell us a little bit about BingeBuilder.

Early stage, high-potential creators lack support networks, so we built one! BingeBuilder connects creators to capital, business coaching, and creative support. In exchange, we share in their future profits and equity.

Is this your first entrepreneurial endeavor?

No.

What was the moment when you knew, "I'm ready to take the plunge and pursue my idea?"

I experienced this for the first time in 2017. At the time, I lived in China and it all came together by circumstance.

This time, I realized I was ready during a PE firm interview. They told me I had "founder energy vibes." I didn't get the PE job, but it resonated and I was on a path to my next company from that moment.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when starting your own business?

I bootstrapped my first company. Try to go the first 6-12 months without spending any (or very little) capital until you've isolated product-market fit (PMF). In my experience, 90% of what you'll spend during year one will be a waste, so just wait. Start spending in years 2 and beyond, once you have a better understanding of your company's needs and PMF. Most startups fail within 2 years, so if you can extend runway to 3+ years, you have a better chance to find your way.

How do you think about success and failure as a founder?

Success is having a day that doesn't cause you to weep in your pillow at night. Sadly, founders have a lot of moist pillows.

What is one moment from your founder journey that you're particularly proud of?

This may sound weird, but about one year after I founded my company, a DAO came along with the exact same business model and raised a $20M seed round. I was floored but also felt insanely validated. A full year before anyone else, I (and this other DAO founder) saw around the corner. He was well-connected and got funding; I'm not there (yet). But still, the idea was validated and that makes me feel proud.

Did you receive any advice along the way that would be meaningful to share with other founders?

Be methodical and contemplate, but don't waffle. Make quick decisions and don't be afraid to reverse them should they be incorrect. Time is important, so you must make decisions and adjustments quickly in the first few years of the business.

How would you rate your experience with Chisos?

Great. I love any company working to give diverse and overlooked founders access to capital to build our visions of the future. Part of why I accepted capital from Chisos is I'm aligned with a similar vision of success for entrepreneurs.

Connect with Andrae on LinkedIn, Twitter, and follow BingeBuilder on Instagram.

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