Company case study
Z1
Z1 is a smaller web design agency acquired by MetaLab to handle smaller leads. It came up on My First Million in the episode "I Ranked the Best & WORST Businesses to Start Before 2026 | Andrew Wilkinson" (aired November 7, 2025). As told on the show: Acquired for $300,000, it has generated single-digit millions in profits.
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | I Ranked the Best & WORST Businesses to Start Before 2026 | Andrew Wilkinson |
| Aired | November 7, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | Acquired for $300,000, it has generated single-digit millions in profits. |
| Category | Agency |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
I Ranked the Best & WORST Businesses to Start Before 2026 | Andrew Wilkinson · aired November 7, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
Z1 was acquired to leverage the excess leads that MetaLab could not handle.
The playbook
Acquiring complementary businesses to expand capabilities and handle overflow work.
Also mentioned
Considered a solid but not groundbreaking acquisition.
Why this works now (our analysis)
Small business owners seeking affordable web design solutions often turn to agencies like Z1. By utilizing the Webflow Marketplace, Z1 can tap into a pool of potential clients looking for tailored design services. The agency was acquired by MetaLab for $300,000 and has since generated single-digit millions in profits. A significant challenge Z1 faces is its dependency on MetaLab's lead generation capabilities; any downturn in MetaLab’s ability to provide leads could directly impact Z1’s revenue stream.