Business

Why 23-year-old YouTuber Vince Van Meer Launched his e-Commerce Business

Published

6 years ago

June 27, 2019

We have all heard the stories about young entrepreneurs making it big by creating apps and software programs, but one man seems to embody what being a successful entrepreneur is truly about.

He’s Vince van Meer, 23, who has been able to make millions by building and selling his apps and working as an e-commerce expert. His specialty is branding and social media management for big and small influencers, entrepreneurs, and organizations, depending on their specific markets, and aiding in building their e-commerce platform, marketing needs, and product development.

“I’m currently making millions running e-commerce and doing various things in social media marketing,” he said. “I made my first million when I was 20 years old. I worked and still work a lot on apps that other companies white label.”

Born in the Netherlands in July 1995, van Meer attended Grafisch Lyceum in Rotterdam, where he studied Interactive Design focusing on building apps, animations, games, websites and graphic design during his first year. He said he learned plenty, and by the second year, he turned his interests toward audio-visual design specialization and graduated in 2015. While he didn’t make a lot of money right away, he has certainly done so these days.

He recalled when he first started out by hosting a YouTube channel, he garnered hundreds of thousands of views and was making about $2-3K per month as a 15-year-old. He even worked at McDonald’s, although he was already making money with his English YouTube channel on gaming. A year later, he decided to leave and began filming festivals and events for $5 per hour, all while doing YouTube on the side. By his second year of college, he quit YouTube and kicked off his career in social media marketing.

Things weren’t always easy for him. However, after finishing school, he sold all his personal items, borrowed $300 from his grandfather, and got his own office. With no clients, no revenue stream, and no website, he was able to make a $900 profit doing internet marketing, all within a month. The second month he made $2,000, and after a few months, he was doing about $10,000 per month.

Tasting freedom

One of the main reasons van Meer decided to do it alone is because of the freedom it brings. Van Meer said he wanted to work from wherever he wanted, as he loves traveling. Plus, he always liked being in business and working on his own projects, in his own timeframe. And because his routines and work schedules are a bit different than most 9 to 5 jobs, he often works nights, and sometimes from an airplane. “It’s all about flexibility and freedom,” he said.

As for tips on being successful, he said, “Stay focused. Don’t overwork yourself. There are times where I sleep only 4 hours a night, but that’s because I really don’t want to be doing anything else. Those are times where I am super motivated and inspired. But when I feel the opposite, I take this time to get rest and live healthily. Don’t force it, or you’ll burn out.”

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.