Alexandru what's your backstory?

I started my career in journalism. My first passion was writing about cars. After a couple of years, I moved to advertising and absolutely loved it, and worked as a creative director in major advertising agencies for big brands like Coca-Cola and Ford. My journey began in Bucharest, but now I live in London.

I’ve used my creativity to launch products, explain complex technologies to millions of people, and generate headlines worldwide. Somehow, the next step for me was to use what I’d learned to launch and promote a tech product that would make people’s lives easier.

Given my background in B2C communication, I chose to create a B2C product that makes a positive difference in the world.

What inspired you to create AgainstData?

When GDPR was introduced in Europe, and I first learned that we have the right to ask companies to delete our data, I was really excited. However, I soon realized how challenging it was to actually exercise that right. That’s when I knew I had to do something about it.

AgainstData.com was created to fight data exploitation. We truly believe your inbox shouldn’t be a spam dumping ground, and your personal info shouldn’t be a currency for tech giants. Privacy isn’t optional—it’s a fundamental human right.

That’s why our platform helps users do two powerful things: clean their inbox and clear their data trail.

How did you validate the need for AgainstData in the market?

When I started AgainstData, together with my co-founders, we didn’t really do things by the book. We went with our gut. So instead of the usual validation path, we simply built the MVP.

We had faith in our idea because we knew privacy would become more and more important. And because we managed to raise a pre-seed round. In hindsight, I know VC validation doesn’t predict a successful product and the only true validation comes from users. If I started today, I would do things differently. But I’m glad things turned out the way they did.

How did you develop the one-click unsubscribe and bulk email deletion features?

Our product was built in two stages. AgainstData 1.0 helped users discover how many companies have their data, who those companies are, and, most importantly, ask for data deletion with a single click.

We launched it as a free service because we wanted users, and most importantly, feedback. Sitting in customer interviews and hearing "your project sucks" is one of the most difficult things a founder must do. Or, at least, it was one of the most difficult things I had to do. But it was also crucial.

Our users told us what they liked and, most importantly, what they hated. There was a common theme that we identified: a lot of users struggled with their email addresses being full of spam. That’s when we decided that AgainstData 2.0 was next.

For our second release, we added the ability to unsubscribe and bulk delete, making privacy truly tangible. There’s been a lot of work on the app and the database that allows users to send deletion requests, as well as on the overall experience. Nothing was easy. But we let our users guide our way.
We listen. We take notes. We collect and consolidate feedback, and then we implement it.

How did you acquire your first 20 users for AgainstData?

I know this is a controversial opinion, but I believe B2C products are easier to grow than B2B ones. We had quite an unconventional method to get our first users.

We pitched our idea to a tech show and were invited to appear on national TV to talk about data exploitation and AgainstData’s privacy solutions. Although our segment lasted only a few minutes, we managed to raise some interest and got about 2,000 users.

Which metrics or feedback showed you had achieved product-market fit?

We spent a lot of time ignoring revenue and chasing other numbers that would get us VC validation. I realize now that was wrong.

I believe the only key metric that truly matters is whether someone is paying for your solution and not asking for their money back. I know, it sounds overly simplistic, but that’s our North Star.

The more users we get, the more feedback we receive. Addressing this feedback is our number one priority. We collect feedback, consolidate it, and act on it because we believe that’s what will guide us toward a better product.

What distribution channels have been most effective in reaching your audience?

Crazy story. We pitched on Romania’s version of The Dragon’s Den / Shark Tank and ended up turning down an investment of $350,000—on national TV.

A scout reached out and asked if we’d like to be part of the show. Initially, I said no, but realizing the show had a massive audience, I changed my mind and accepted the challenge. It took us about two months to rehearse and get ready for the show, but it was worth it. We gained around 5,000 users and received some good investment offers, but unfortunately, the valuation wasn’t quite there yet.

One of our most successful distribution channels has been PR. We actively look for chances to get on TV, and in media publications, because we believe our users are everywhere. It rarely happens, but when it does, the numbers spike.

Apart from that, we run one experiment every one to two months. We pick a new channel, spend some time understanding it, and then allocate the necessary resources to make the experiment happen. Once it’s live, we closely monitor the results and make adjustments.

After 30 to 45 days, we draw conclusions and decide whether it should become a permanent part of our growth efforts or we should move on.

What distribution channels did you try that didn't work?

I believe there are a lot of myths when it comes to user acquisition. For us, that was organic social. It takes so much effort to craft the content and, in our experience, the results come with a lot of patience and consistency.

I’d love to crack this one at some point, but I doubt I will. In my experience, channels that are perceived as free or low-effort rarely work out. But it might just be my approach. If it worked for you, please reach out and teach me!

What specific tools have been most helpful in growing AgainstData?

I think the most essential factor in growing AgainstData has been the team. There are countless tools and methods out there, but it’s really the people who make the difference.

If you're serious about growth, I'd recommend assembling a team with diverse skills—marketing, data analytics, and development. Think creatively, make lists, experiment, and most importantly, don’t forget to measure!

What's your advice for founders finding the right distribution channel for their product?

Distribution is often said to be everything these days, and I agree. My secret: there is no secret. You have to assemble the right set of skills (marketing, data, and development) and start making a list of ideas.

Treat every idea as an experiment—allocate resources, launch, measure, and draw your conclusions. That’s the only growth recipe that worked for me.

What keeps you motivated to keep building AgainstData?

I believe every founder must find their “why”—that’s what keeps you going. And it can’t be money, because that alone won’t get you through the tough times.

For me, it’s the opportunity to build something with two of my best friends. We work well together, and we have fun. Plus, we get to shape things in a way that suits us, which is something you can't really do in a typical day job.

Any quotes you live by?

“Just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there, and don’t give much thought to where “there” is. Whatever comes, just don’t stop.” - Phil Knight, Shoe Dog.

We’ve made one bad decision after another, been clueless, unsure, and wrong. Occasionally, we’ve been right. The key thing was to keep going. And we do.

Any promotions you would like to add for Founderoo readers?

Our product offers a free trial. Every new user gets five unsubscribe actions and five deletion requests.

Your links + socials

AgainstData Website

AgainstData LinkedIn

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Alexandru Vasile LinkedIn

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