Disclosure certainty 4/5 debate potential 2/5

Ryan Chen cashed out his 401(k) to bootstrap Neuro

Ryan Chen · The Underdog: From Life Changing Accident to $100M/Year · Feb 7, 2025 · at 5:49

Ryan Chen, co-founder of functional gum brand NeuroGum, describes the financial risks he took while bootstrapping the company alongside his day job.

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“I cashed out my four one K, which I highly don't recommend people doing, but that was the risk that we were willing to take.”

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