How David Lieb Turned a Failing Startup Into Google Photos | Backstory

What inspired David Lieb to create Bump?

The release of the iPhone was transformative, planting a seed for innovative app ideas. David Lieb, during his first week at business school, faced a common frustration: exchanging contact details was cumbersome with the new tech. This sparked the idea of simplifying the process using smartphones. He envisioned an app where two phones could easily share contact information by just bumping them together.

This inspiration struck during an accounting class, leading him to team up with his friend Andy to turn the concept into a reality. Despite having no background in mobile app development, they trusted their instincts. Working nights and weekends, they nurtured their idea, pushing it to the App Store after a few weeks' efforts.

David's journey highlights how identifying a simple problem and passionately pursuing its solution can lay the foundation for innovative products.

How did Bump gain popularity?

• Initial Discovery: Bump went live on the App Store without any promotion. Yet, it drew tens of users on the first day, hundreds on the second, and thousands by the third.

• Word-of-Mouth: Its unique functionality sparked curiosity. Users shared their experiences, fueling organic, viral growth.

• Media Outreach: By actively reaching out to bloggers and the press, the founders amplified its presence.

• Widespread Recognition: As it gained traction, Bump became the second most popular app globally, falling only behind iGlowstick on the App Store.

• Cultural Impact: It turned into a cultural phenomenon. With MC Hammer investing and people using it as their Halloween costume, it became a symbol of the era.

• Endorsement by Icons: Even Steve Jobs recognized its potential, featuring Bump's icon on his presentations, further solidifying its popularity.

What challenges did Bump face?

Bump encountered several significant challenges that led to its decline.

• Low User Retention: Despite early popularity, users did not continue to engage with the app regularly. It failed to provide high enough value per interaction, placing it in an undesirable quadrant of low frequency and low value.

• Lack of a Sustainable Business Model: The founders struggled to devise a credible plan to monetize the app. The initial focus was on growth rather than on establishing a revenue stream.

• Foundational Mistakes: Several missteps contributed to difficulties. Among them was hiring too quickly, reacting to sudden demand rather than sustainable strategy. They also indiscriminately raised more funds than necessary, masking underlying issues.

In retrospect, these hurdles were paramount. They eventually forced a reassessment and led to new directions.

How did David Lieb pivot from Bump to Google Photos?

1. Identify the Issue: After analyzing user engagement, it became clear that Bump's primary use was not aligned with its original intent. Users preferred sharing photos over contacts.

2. Gather User Feedback: Direct communication with top users revealed the high demand for an efficient photo-sharing tool, which was the catalyst for change.

3. Develop Flock: In response to user feedback, a new app, Flock, was created to facilitate seamless photo sharing among friends and family. Despite its innovation, usage remained low.

4. Conceptualize Photo Roll: Recognizing deeper user needs, David envisioned replacing the default Photos app, crafting a superior photo management experience dubbed Photo Roll.

5. Secure Acquisition by Google: Bump was ultimately sold to Google. David's vision for Photo Roll laid the groundwork for Google Photos, focusing on advanced photo organization and sharing.

This strategic pivot involved understanding user behavior, iterating new solutions, and aligning with Google's capabilities to create a successful product.

What role did perseverance play in David Lieb's success?

Relentless determination was crucial for my journey.

Even when Bump faltered, I sought feedback, adjusted plans, and kept pushing.

Despite internal conflicts at Google, I tenaciously pursued the vision for Google Photos.

I faced resistance but believed in the potential of Google Photos to revolutionize photo sharing.

Getting fired twice didn't deter me; I used every connection to push the idea forward.

Ultimately, unwavering perseverance turned a dream into a billion-user success.

How did Google Photos become a success?

The journey to success began with a clear vision inspired by lessons from the past. Recognizing a gap in photo storage and sharing, the team sought to redesign the standard photo app experience.

Innovative features stood at the heart of the development. The introduction of AI-powered search made it easy for users to find memories quickly. Photos were organized intuitively by faces and themes, showcasing the power of technology in simplifying life.

Launched at Google I/O in 2015, the app caught immediate attention. Its promise of being a digital home for all life's moments resonated globally. Rapid growth ensued, reaching over a billion users in a mere four years, testament to its value and functionality.

The combination of cutting-edge technology, user-focused design, and strategic deployment underpinned its meteoric rise. Google Photos set a new standard, carving its place as a staple in digital photo management.

What personal challenges did David Lieb overcome?

David Lieb faced a life-altering challenge when diagnosed with leukemia amid his success with Google Photos. During the height of COVID-19, feeling unusually tired, he sought a medical check-up. The shocking diagnosis was a turning point, pushing him to reflect on life's priorities.

Faced with a year of intense chemotherapy, he demonstrated remarkable resilience. This battle influenced his perspective, leading him to reevaluate career goals and personal values. The experience of confronting mortality instilled a renewed sense of purpose.

After his treatment, Lieb decided to leave his role at Google. He sought to help the next generation of entrepreneurs by joining YC. Embracing this new path allowed him to channel his experiences, guiding others with wisdom and empathy.