Instagram API Startups

Hashtag Pirate was an Instagram hashtag search engine that allowed users to find posts with multiple specific hashtags. Nicolas built the MVP in two months and achieved SEO success, ranking #1 for three keywords. However, the startup failed when Instagram/Facebook blocked API access in June 2016 to monetize their platform, making the core service non-functional before Nicolas could generate revenue.

KIT is a virtual marketing assistant SaaS platform that helps e-commerce business owners automate their marketing through SMS-based commands. Founded by Michael Perry in October 2013, KIT pivoted from a web application to an SMS-first product in January 2015 after discovering that small business owners were unwilling to spend time on marketing tasks themselves. As of January 2016, KIT has 2,000 paying customers generating $30k MRR with a $19 average revenue per user and a sustainable $21 customer acquisition cost primarily through Facebook ads.