19
my project management tool reached 1000$ mrr and 600+ users in a month
r/SaaS
7/29/2025
Content Summary
The author built a project management tool called Kanba.co after finding existing tools like Trello and Notion too complex. They shared it on Reddit and Twitter, which led to significant traction. The tool is open-source, with a hosted version available. Within a month, it reached 600+ users, $1,000 MRR, and was featured on Product Hunt. The author also discussed monetization through the hosted version and received feedback on how to improve retention and growth.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion supports the idea that Kanba.co's success comes from its simplicity and focus on project management, addressing a gap in the market. Some users question why it gained so much traction compared to other similar tools, suggesting that it may have been more effective in execution or marketing. There is also discussion about the viability of monetizing an open-source tool through a hosted version. Overall, the community is supportive and interested in the tool's future development and sustainability.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | https://trello.com | Project Management | Kanban-style task management |
| Notion | https://notion.so | All-in-One Workspace | Flexible workspace for notes, tasks, and databases |
| Kanba.co | https://kanba.co | Project Management | Simple, clean, and focused on project management with a hosted version available |
| Supabase | https://supabase.com | Backend-as-a-Service | Open-source alternative to Firebase |
| Stripe | https://stripe.com | Payment Processing | Used for tracking MRR |
| Product Hunt | https://www.producthunt.com | Startup Discovery | Featured Kanba.co as #2 of the day |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Users found existing tools like Trello and Notion to be too bloated or missing key features
- Lack of a simple, focused project management tool that combines elements of Jira, Trello, and Notion
Problems to Solve:
- Need for a streamlined project management solution that avoids unnecessary complexity
- Desire for an open-source option with a hosted alternative
Potential Solutions:
- Launching a minimal, focused project management tool (Kanba.co)
- Offering both open-source and hosted versions to cater to different user preferences
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Leveraging social media and Reddit to promote the product
- Open-sourcing the project to build community and trust
- Launching on Product Hunt to gain visibility
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Viral post on Reddit and Twitter drove initial traction
- Product Hunt feature helped increase exposure
Monetization & Product:
- Monetizing through a hosted version of the open-source tool
- Focusing on simplicity and usability to differentiate from competitors
User Engagement:
- Encouraging feedback and engagement from users
- Building a community around the open-source project