#123 - Harry Zhang and Kevin Hale

API Strategy

The success of Lob is deeply rooted in its strategic use of APIs, which allowed them to address customer needs effectively. Harry Zhang emphasizes the importance of comprehensive documentation, stating that it remains a top priority for the company. "When your core product is an API, you better have the best, best documentation on the planet," he asserts 1. This focus on documentation stems from his experience at Microsoft, where he identified the potential of direct mail campaigns. Kevin Hale highlights how Lob's API initially operated with a simple setup, even using a home printer to fulfill orders 1. This innovative approach resonated with early customers, such as a young entrepreneur who used Lob's service to combat fraud in digital transactions 2.

   

Startup Journey

Lob's journey from inception to a successful startup was fraught with challenges, particularly in product development and market entry. Harry Zhang recalls the early days when their MVP was a simple API that mirrored responses, highlighting their focus on understanding customer problems over having a fully developed product 3. "We want customers to pay us for something before we actually go and do it," he explains, underscoring their customer-centric approach. Kevin Hale appreciates this strategy, noting that the purity of an API company lies in its documentation, which serves as its interface 3. Despite these initial hurdles, Lob's innovative solutions, like programmatically sending physical mail, have positioned them as a leader in their field 4.