Building things over the years taught me a hard lesson: not everyone you expect help from will be there.
But some people? They actually show up.

There were moments when I asked friends for help and heard nothing back. Moments that slowly shaped a mindset of “if you want something done, do it alone.”

And honestly, that mindset kept me moving when I had no other option.

But that’s not the whole story.

Along the way, there were also friends(and family) who helped without hesitation. An unseen force that-no matter how small their actions might have seemed-pushed things forward instead of holding them back. No questions. No expectations. Just genuine support, offered freely.

I have plenty of stories from both sides. But the reason I’m writing this now is because of three recent ones: Thanos, Panos, and Nikos.

When I first showed Panos Fundamenta (he couldn’t help with previous products), his reaction was instant. He wanted in. He started pitching it left and right. He even bought our expensive monthly plan just to properly use it and understand it-without asking for a free account or a discount.

I mean… who does that?

He keeps searching for opportunities in a tight market, pitching Fundamenta wherever he can. And for that alone, I’m incredibly grateful.

Then there’s Thanos. He created the logo for two of our products. Endless back-and-forth, feedback, direction, refinement, without a single complaint. What he gave us wasn’t “just a logo.” It was a modern, complete first identity. A personality for products taking their first steps.

And then there’s my cousin Nikos, one of our first users in Fundamenta. Constant feedback. Cross-checking statements. Helping with financial metrics and formulas. He truly sees the product’s value. When your family sees the value, you’re probably on the right path. Even more so when that family member works in finance (something with mergers…, acquisitions... very difficult words… sorry, cous 😅).

I spam him with messages in the middle of his workday, and he’s always there replying. I know how lucky that makes me. To have a few people this close showing up. And even more people online-people I don’t know personally-sending feedback, requests, and kind words about our work.

No big funding. No extra workforce.
Just bootstrapped. With a few friends along the way (and yes, Kostas-at this point we’re a package deal).

So here’s what I’ve learned (or i did not):
Ask for help-but don’t wait for an answer.
If you get none, don’t get bitter. Move forward on your own.
But if you do get one-never forget the person who showed up.
The day will come when they need you.
And when it does, you won’t just show up.

You’ll help.