First principle approach to running self funded projects: Free Markets and Start-Ups (ep. 253)
WS Podcast
Can you build a successful business without investors, venture capital, or chasing rapid growth?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojtek sits down with Akilan — a PhD student, computer scientist, entrepreneur, and open-source builder — to explore the first-principles approach to entrepreneurship, free markets, and the power of patiently building self-funded projects over the long term.
Raised in Dubai, one of the world's fastest-growing and most entrepreneurial cities, Akilan shares how its culture of hard work, competition, and personal responsibility shaped his outlook on business and life.
We explore:
why self-funded (bootstrapped) businesses can outperform venture-backed startups
the philosophy of building slowly and thinking long term
how first-principles thinking can simplify entrepreneurship
the role of free markets and competition in driving innovation
open-source business models and decentralized technology
Bitcoin, Monero, gold, and hard assets versus fiat currency
the future of AI, automation, and software entrepreneurship
why family, discipline, and low time preference matter for success
Akilan also explains why he believes the best companies are built piece by piece over many years, creating small profitable components that eventually become something much bigger. Instead of relying on outside funding, he advocates for ownership, sustainability, and solving real problems for real people.
The conversation also touches on some of the biggest challenges facing the modern world:
Is traditional education preparing people for entrepreneurship?
Why do bureaucracy and excessive regulation stifle innovation?
Can open-source communities and decentralized technologies create a better future?
And what kind of mindset is needed to build lasting freedom in an increasingly complex world?
Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, startups, free markets, Bitcoin, technology, personal development, or building a business from scratch, this episode offers practical insights into creating value, thinking independently, and playing the long game.
Listen to the full episode to discover why the future may belong to patient builders, self-funded projects, and those willing to think from first principles.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
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Mentioned books and media:
"Sovereign Individual" - https://youtu.be/bhe1h-MJEcY?si=uQ0Eyctb-Nhgvcwg
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