From Side Project to €10k MRR: The Stagetimer.io Story

Introduction

When Lukas Hermann walked into a friend’s studio and saw a colleague waving paper signs for timing, he thought there had to be a better way. Within a weekend he built the first browser-based countdown tool and published it online as a free beta. What started as a side project would soon grow into a full-time SaaS with €10k in monthly recurring revenue.

Building the First Version

On November 1, 2020, Lukas made the first commit. He added device synchronization and key features over time, testing each update with a small group of early users. He posted links on Reddit’s r/CommercialAV to gauge interest. It took six months to see the first paying customer, and in February 2021 he formally founded the company.

Early Growth and Freemium Model

Lukas chose afreemiumapproach: core functionality stayed free, while advanced controls and customization required a subscription. He also added one-time 10-day licenses for contractors who needed a short burst without a monthly plan. This mix helped professionals forward costs directly to event organizers.

Marketing Tactics That Worked

The “throw spaghetti at the wall” phase taught him which channels matter. SEO drove steady inbound leads, and Google Ads accounted for his biggest acquisition cost. Subreddits, comparison pages, and downloadable PDF guides generated organic interest. Facebook Ads and cold emails flopped, so Lukas focused on channels with real traction.

Financials and Milestones

By September 2023 Stagetimer.io hit €10,000 MRR. Operating expenses are minimal—only Google Ads eats into profits—so the net margin sits at 85%. With revenue covering his travel and living costs, Lukas left his full-time job and now runs Stagetimer full-time from Germany.

Looking Ahead

Next up: team billing with per-seat pricing, new features for power users, and refining Google Ads campaigns. Lukas doesn’t expect blockbuster growth—his niche is small—but steady gains and high margins mean he can keep improving without outside funding.

Conclusion

Stagetimer.io shows that solving a simple, real-world problem with lean execution can pay off. Start small, test rapidly, listen to users, and only invest in channels that deliver real ROI.