How I Built This with Guy Raz Calm: Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith
112 snips
May 26, 2025 
Michael Acton Smith, co-founder of Calm and creator of Moshi Monsters, and Alex Tew, known for the Million Dollar Homepage, share their journey transforming meditation into a thriving app. They discuss overcoming skepticism from investors and the road to securing calm.com. The duo reflects on the rise of community-driven ventures, emphasizing creative marketing and the importance of innovative content. Their lighthearted camaraderie shines through as they highlight the joy and passion behind building a platform that promotes mental well-being.
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Shot Glass Chess Set Success
- They invented a shot glass chess set combining chess with a drinking game sold mostly through magazines. - The idea went viral after editors enthusiastically featured it worldwide, showing storytelling's power.
Brand Name Change Due To Domain
- Their original company name 'Hotbox' was problematic because hotbox.com was a major porn site. - They changed their brand to 'Firebox' to avoid negative associations.
Collaboration Begins in London
- Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith met in London, became housemates, and collaborated on ideas. - Their entrepreneurial environment included playing FIFA, discussing business, and hosting startup parties.
