Company case study · 2 podcast episodes

Yonder

Yonder, founded by Adam Robinson, offers a unique phone pouch that locks away smartphones, encouraging users to engage more fully in their surroundings. It came up on 2 podcast episodes (My First Million, Startup Ideas Podcast) between August 29, 2024 and August 26, 2025. As told on the show: Reported to be generating $300 million in revenue.

At a glance

Yonder at a glance
Discussed on2 episodes: My First Million, Startup Ideas Podcast
First and latestAugust 29, 2024 to August 26, 2025
Revenue and tractionReported to be generating $300 million in revenue.
CategoryE-commerce

Figures and claims are as told on the episodes, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.

What My First Million said

Brainstorming $100M AI-Proof Businesses · aired August 26, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri

Why it works

Addresses the growing concern over phone distractions in social settings and promotes a more engaged experience.

Revenue and traction

Reported to be generating $300 million in revenue.

Founding story

Started by a former soccer player after witnessing the negative impact of phone usage at events.

The playbook

Grew its market by initially targeting comedy shows and then expanding into schools, creating a cell phone-free zone.

Also mentioned

Has become a significant player in the market for event management solutions.

What Startup Ideas Podcast said

The step by step guide to starting a business from $0 · aired August 29, 2024 · hosted by Greg Isenberg

Why it works

Yonder capitalizes on the growing recognition of smartphone addiction, offering a tangible solution that promotes mindfulness and social interaction. The innovative locking mechanism helps users physically separate from their devices, which appeals to schools and venues seeking to minimize distractions.

Revenue and traction

Yonder is reportedly generating between $30 to $40 million in revenue and has over a million students using the product daily in 21 countries, charging about $25 to $30 per student.

Founding story

Adam Robinson transitioned from a finance career to entrepreneurship after being inspired by books like "The 4-Hour Workweek." He recognized the need for a product that could combat the adverse effects of smartphone overuse, leading to the creation of Yonder.

The playbook

1. Identify potential partners who already serve your target audience. 2. Develop a simplified version of Yonder - A revolutionary phone pouch that helps people disconnect from their devices in various settings like schools and events that complements their offerings. 3. Propose partnership arrangements that benefit both parties. 4. Use partner feedback to refine your product before wider release. 5. Launch through partner channels to gain immediate credibility.

Also mentioned

Yonder's clear tagline "Phone Free Spaces" effectively communicates its mission. The company has been successful in using social media and word-of-mouth marketing to grow awareness. Adam suggests that utilizing social media for pre-launch marketing can create an engaged audience even before the product hits the market.

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