Founder: Vasco Monteiro
Business: Vettted
Revenue/Month: $100
Founders: 2
Employees: 0
Website: vettted.com
Location: Lisbon, Estremadura, Portugal
Founded: 2021

At just 24, Vasco has thrown himself into the intricate world of startups with the creation of Vettted, a platform reimagining how businesses connect with top-tier digital marketing professionals. Based out of Lisbon, Vettted isn’t just another freelance marketplace—it’s a precise, niche-focused solution for businesses seeking vetted, productized marketing services without the noise or inefficiencies of traditional platforms. For the freelancers who power it, Vettted offers something almost unheard of in today’s gig economy: they keep 100% of their earnings. 

“We wanted to build something that felt fair,” Vasco explains. “Most platforms charge freelancers a 20-30% commission, and that adds up. I’ve been a freelancer, so I know how frustrating that can be. It’s your work, your time—you should keep what you earn.” 

That freelancer-first ethos has shaped every aspect of Vettted’s design. Vasco, along with his co-founder Afonso, spent the past year working tirelessly on the platform, developing it from scratch in his parents’ basement. From its sleek user interface to its zero-commission policy, the goal was clear: empower skilled marketers while saving businesses the trouble of wading through unqualified candidates. 

“At the heart of Vettted is trust,” Vasco says. “It’s not just about creating a marketplace. It’s about creating an environment where businesses can confidently hire freelancers, knowing they’re getting top-quality work.” 

But building that environment hasn’t been easy. Vasco personally invested $20,000 of his own money into the venture, carefully directing funds toward essentials like development, hosting, and legal services. Every detail was scrutinized, down to the choice of Azure Cloud Services for the platform’s infrastructure. For a founder with no outside funding, each dollar spent was a calculated risk. 

“If you’re going to bootstrap something like this, you have to really believe in it,” Vasco shares. “I’ve lived and breathed this project for over a year. It’s not just about money—it’s about creating something I wish existed when I was freelancing.” 

The financial gamble is only part of the story. Building a marketplace is notoriously tough, a reality that Vasco knows all too well. Since Vettted’s launch just a month ago, the platform has generated $245 in revenue—a modest figure, but one that Vasco views through a pragmatic lens. “We’re not here for instant results,” he says. “This is a long-term vision. Building a marketplace takes time and patience. It’s about establishing trust, gaining traction, and showing people why Vettted is different.” 

That difference lies in its laser focus on both quality and fairness. For businesses, the process is refreshingly straightforward: browse the platform’s pre-vetted professionals, select the service that fits, and get to work. For freelancers, the appeal is just as strong—Vettted isn’t about taking a cut of their earnings; it’s about giving them a platform to showcase their expertise. 

Vasco’s motivation stems from his own experience navigating the freelance world. He recalls struggling with platforms that charged exorbitant fees while offering little in return. “I wanted to flip that script,” he says. “Freelancers deserve better. They’re the ones delivering the value, so they should feel valued in return.” 

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting Vettted has demanded a relentless work ethic and an ability to juggle countless responsibilities, from platform development to marketing and outreach. But Vasco is undeterred. “I’ve learned that building a startup isn’t about big wins,” he says. “It’s about showing up every single day, making progress, and staying focused on what matters.” 

While Vettted is still in its infancy, Vasco’s vision for the platform is bold. By prioritizing fairness and quality, he’s betting on a model that disrupts the status quo. “We’re playing the long game,” he says. “And I’m okay with that, because I believe in what we’re building.” 

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the inspiration and strategy that drive Vettted forward. 

From Minecraft Maps to Marketplace Vision 

Before Vettted became his central focus, Vasco’s entrepreneurial instincts were already taking shape in unexpected ways. At just 14, he started selling Minecraft maps and 3D models online—a far cry from the sophisticated digital marketing platform he leads today. Yet, this was the foundation of his journey, sparking a fascination with the possibilities of online business. Over the years, that fascination evolved into a series of ventures, each more ambitious than the last, from selling e-cigarettes to experimenting with dropshipping and running an SEO agency. 

“These projects were all over the place,” Vasco admits with a laugh. “But looking back, they each taught me something valuable about business, about people, and about problem-solving. That’s how I started to understand what works—and what doesn’t.” 

His foray into freelancing cemented this understanding. Working with clients across industries like plumbing, electrical work, and plastic surgery, Vasco gained a front-row seat to the inefficiencies plaguing popular platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Time and again, he encountered the same challenges: freelancers lost in a sea of competition, buyers unsure of what they were getting, and platforms skimming a hefty 20-30% off the top. 

“The lack of transparency and the race to the bottom pricing were exhausting,” Vasco says. “But the worst part was the commissions. Freelancers are the ones doing all the work—so why are platforms taking such a big cut?” 

Over time, these frustrations evolved into an idea: what if there were a marketplace that catered exclusively to one niche, emphasized quality, and treated freelancers fairly? Drawing inspiration from companies like Toptal, known for its rigorous vetting process, Vasco began sketching out the blueprint for what would become Vettted. Unlike other platforms that cast their nets wide, his goal was to focus on one thing—digital marketing—and do it exceptionally well. 

“I realized that platforms trying to cater to everyone often end up serving no one particularly well,” he explains. “Specialization is what makes the difference. Look at Airbnb—it grew by narrowing its focus early on. That’s what I wanted Vettted to do for marketing.” 

This “niche-first” mindset wasn’t just a personal theory; it reflected a larger trend Vasco observed in the startup ecosystem. From Wander, which offers premium office spaces, to the countless dating apps inspired by Tinder’s model, niche platforms were proving that carving out a focused space could be a powerful strategy. 

In building Vettted, he also turned to a unique method for staying motivated and accountable: documenting his progress publicly. Each week, Vasco posts candid updates on YouTube, filming short videos with nothing more than a phone propped on a microphone stand. These clips provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the challenges and milestones of building a startup from scratch. 

“I wanted to be transparent about what it takes to start something like this,” Vasco says. “It’s not glamorous. It’s messy, it’s hard, and there are days when it feels impossible. But sharing that keeps me grounded—and hopefully, it inspires someone else to take their shot.” 

From his earliest ventures to his sharp critique of existing platforms, every step of Vasco’s path has built toward a singular goal: creating a platform where freelancers thrive, businesses trust what they’re buying, and quality takes precedence over quantity. For him, Vettted isn’t just a marketplace; it’s the solution to a problem he’s lived firsthand. 

Launching Without a Safety Net 

Bringing Vettted to life didn’t follow the playbook Vasco originally envisioned. After months of designing and prototyping the platform, he assumed he could rely on his personal brand—a loyal audience cultivated over years of SEO work—to generate early traction. With an engaged email list, a Facebook group, and a YouTube channel under his belt, his strategy seemed clear: guide his followers to Vettted, list his own services to lead by example, and leverage the platform’s transparency to show its value. But this plan unraveled when the very freelance marketplace where Vasco earned six figures—and funded Vettted’s development—drew a hard line. Promoting his new venture would mean instant suspension. 

“Suddenly, my biggest asset was off the table,” Vasco recalls. “I couldn’t use the audience I had spent years building to kickstart Vettted. It was frustrating, but I had to pivot fast and find another way.” 

With his most direct path to users blocked, Vasco shifted gears, focusing instead on building Vettted’s supply of freelancers from scratch. He prioritized personal outreach, seeking seasoned professionals from other platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and even specialized sites like UnicornFactory.nz and Malt.fr. But he wasn’t just looking for any freelancer—he sought those willing to publicly attach their identities to their services, the kind of professionals who embodied Vettted’s commitment to transparency and quality. 

“Finding great talent wasn’t easy,” Vasco says. “A lot of platforms intentionally hide contact details, so you have to get creative. But I knew that if we started with the right freelancers, everything else would fall into place.” 

One of his first experiments involved Facebook. With a modest $30 ad budget, Vasco tested a post in a digital nomad group, offering $100 to anyone who signed up on Vettted, registered as a professional, and listed at least one service. The results went beyond raw numbers—each sign-up came with meaningful interactions that reinforced the platform’s mission. 

“It wasn’t just about getting people on the platform,” Vasco explains. “It was about starting conversations, understanding what freelancers wanted, and building those relationships from day one.” 

On Twitter, he employed a different strategy, leaning on his personal account to share authentic, behind-the-scenes content about the trials of launching Vettted. He posted updates about the platform’s progress, shared tips for freelancers, and reflected on his own journey—all in a bid to establish credibility and spark curiosity. 

“People connect with transparency,” Vasco says. “I didn’t want to just pitch Vettted. I wanted to show freelancers that I understand their struggles because I’ve been there myself.” 

Every step of his approach underscored a larger vision: Vettted would succeed not just by attracting users, but by fostering genuine trust within the freelancer community. This philosophy extended to the way Vasco positioned Vettted—not simply as a marketplace, but as a resource built to elevate freelancers’ careers. From manual outreach to ad experiments to thoughtful social media engagement, each tactic reinforced his belief that relationships, not shortcuts, are the key to long-term growth. 

“Freelancers don’t just want work—they want to feel valued,” Vasco says. “That’s what we’re building Vettted around. It’s not just a platform; it’s a partnership.” 

Harnessing Resourcefulness and Lessons from the Trenches 

Running a startup like Vettted is an exercise in juggling limited resources with limitless ambition. Today, the platform operates at a modest monthly loss of $2,000, with expenses tightly controlled. A part-time senior full-stack developer earns €1,200, while hosting through Microsoft Azure costs $150 a month, and miscellaneous expenses like software tools add up to about $500. The burn rate is lean compared to many startups, but for Vasco, every dollar is carefully scrutinized. With no external funding, each expense represents a calculated bet on Vettted’s future. 

“When you’re bootstrapping, every cent matters,” Vasco says. “It’s not about spending recklessly—it’s about asking, ‘Does this move us forward? Does it create real value for the platform?’” 

Despite the financial constraints, Vettted is slowly gaining traction. Since its launch, the platform has generated $2,450 in gross merchandise value (GMV), earning $245 in revenue from a 10% transaction fee applied to services sold. Currently, it hosts 287 users, including 65 sellers and three active buyers. While these numbers may seem small, they highlight the early, delicate balancing act of building a marketplace. Attracting sellers creates supply, but demand must keep pace to provide sellers with opportunities—a challenging but critical push-and-pull that Vasco is determined to navigate. 

“Every seller who signs up, every buyer who places an order—it’s progress,” Vasco explains. “We’re not chasing vanity metrics. We’re focused on building something real, step by step.” 

To stretch his limited resources further, Vasco has leveraged startup-friendly programs that alleviate some of the financial burden. For example, Microsoft Azure’s startup credits program has provided $5,000 worth of free server hosting over the past year—a move that significantly offsets Vettted’s operational costs. “Programs like that are game-changers,” Vasco says. “They give you the breathing room to focus on what matters: building the product and refining the experience.” 

Still, the challenges of bootstrapping go far beyond cost management. One of the harshest lessons Vasco has learned is that developing software is expensive, especially when assembling a team capable of delivering on his vision. The part-time developer Vettted employs is critical to keeping the platform running, but expanding the team or scaling faster would require funds that simply aren’t there—yet. 

“We’re always optimizing,” Vasco says. “It’s a trade-off between what we want to do and what we can afford to do right now.” 

Competition has been another hurdle. As an entrepreneur entering a crowded market, Vasco has experienced everything from rivals undercutting on price to the unexpected roadblocks of operating alongside established platforms. His forced detachment from his personal brand—after threats of suspension from the marketplace he currently freelances on—remains a sore point. However, he’s taken these obstacles in stride, channeling his energy into Vettted’s long-term vision rather than letting setbacks derail his progress. 

For Vasco, building relationships has proven to be one of the most valuable investments of his time. Vettted’s growth isn’t just about attracting users—it’s about cultivating trust and fostering a sense of community among freelancers and buyers alike. His strategy of “building in public” by documenting Vettted’s progress on YouTube and social media has amplified this effort, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborators. 

“People want to see the real story, the ups and downs,” Vasco says. “When you’re honest and transparent, you attract people who believe in what you’re trying to build. Those are the people who make all the difference.” 

The road ahead is still daunting. Growing Vettted means increasing its buyer and seller base while maintaining the platform’s focus on quality and fairness. It’s a tightrope walk, balancing cautious spending with bold decisions, all while staying true to the platform’s original mission. For Vasco, that mission—a platform built to empower freelancers and simplify outsourcing for businesses—is what fuels his late nights and relentless outreach efforts. 

“This is more than a startup for me,” Vasco says. “It’s a chance to fix problems I’ve lived through as a freelancer and to build something that actually helps people. That’s what keeps me going.” 

Every dollar spent, every new freelancer onboarded, and every buyer who completes a transaction represents a small but meaningful step forward for Vettted. For Vasco, it’s not just about creating a profitable business—it’s about creating something that matters. 

The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster 

For anyone considering starting a business, Vasco’s advice is clear: stop waiting and start doing. Overthinking, chasing perfection, or waiting for the ideal conditions can paralyze even the best ideas. “The truth is, there’s never going to be a perfect time to start,” Vasco says. “You just have to dive in and figure things out as you go. Execution beats hesitation every time.” 

This bias toward action has been a guiding principle for Vasco throughout his career. He acknowledges that the early days of any venture can feel painfully slow—progress is incremental, and the obstacles often seem endless. But, he notes, even the smallest wins can compound over time, building momentum that’s impossible to gain without taking that first step. 

“You can’t expect to get it right immediately,” he says. “But if you keep moving, you start to see patterns, find solutions, and build confidence. Momentum comes from doing, not waiting.” 

Yet, Vasco is quick to point out that the entrepreneurial journey is far from straightforward. He speaks candidly about encountering the Dunning-Kruger effect—a psychological phenomenon where early confidence gives way to doubt as deeper complexities arise. In the early stages, when ideas are still simple and untested, confidence tends to run high. But as challenges emerge and the true scope of the work becomes clear, many entrepreneurs hit what Vasco calls the “Valley of Despair.” 

“That’s the moment where you want to give up,” Vasco says. “You start questioning everything—your idea, your abilities, whether it’s worth it. But that’s also the point where the real breakthroughs happen if you keep going.” 

For Vasco, persistence in the face of doubt has been one of the most valuable lessons of his entrepreneurial career. He emphasizes that setbacks aren’t just inevitable—they’re essential. “Failure isn’t the opposite of success,” he explains. “It’s part of the process. Every time you stumble, you learn something that helps you build a better, stronger business.” 

This perspective on failure aligns with his broader philosophy of urgency and decisiveness. Vasco believes that opportunities are fleeting, and the cost of inaction often outweighs the risk of taking a chance. “I ask myself all the time—if not now, then when?” he says. “The fear of looking back and wondering ‘what if’ is a lot worse than the fear of failing.” 

He also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to lean into discomfort. Whether it’s launching before you feel ready or tackling problems you’ve never encountered before, growth often lies just outside the comfort zone. “You’re never going to have all the answers,” Vasco says. “But that’s the point. The process of figuring it out is what makes you better.” 

Reflecting on his journey, Vasco acknowledges that building something meaningful comes with its share of frustration, exhaustion, and moments of doubt. But for him, the rewards—both personal and professional—far outweigh the struggles. “Life’s too short to sit on the sidelines,” he says. “Taking the leap is scary, but the experience is worth it. Even if you fail, you’ll learn more than you ever would playing it safe.” 

Through his journey with Vettted, Vasco has learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about the end result. It’s about the lessons, the growth, and the stories you create along the way. And for those brave enough to take the plunge, he believes the experience is something they’ll never regret. 

Success Factors: Why Did Vettted Succeed? 

• A Clear and Differentiated Niche Focus: Vettted’s strategy to specialize exclusively in digital marketing services, rather than catering to a broad range of freelance categories, sets it apart from platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. This focus allows the platform to prioritize quality and build trust among businesses and freelancers looking for expertise in a specific domain. Vasco’s decision to emulate the success of niche-focused companies like Toptal and Airbnb further validates the effectiveness of this targeted approach. 

• Freelancer-First Philosophy: Vettted’s zero-commission model—allowing freelancers to keep 100% of their earnings—addresses a major pain point in the gig economy. By rejecting the typical 20-30% cut taken by other platforms, Vettted builds goodwill among freelancers, fostering loyalty and creating a community that feels valued. 

• Bootstrapping and Resourcefulness: Vasco’s disciplined financial management and ability to stretch limited resources have been critical. The use of startup-friendly programs, such as Microsoft Azure’s $5,000 credit for hosting, showcases his resourcefulness in minimizing operational costs without compromising quality. Personal investment—both financial (using $20,000 of his own savings) and emotional—has helped Vettted maintain a lean but effective operational structure while building the platform. 

• A Strong Emphasis on Quality and Transparency: Vettted’s vetting process and prioritization of freelancers who are willing to attach their names and identities to their work sets a standard for professionalism. This focus on transparency reassures businesses about the caliber of the services they’re purchasing and enhances trust between buyers and sellers. 

• Personal and Direct Outreach: Vasco’s hands-on approach to recruiting freelancers, personally reaching out to professionals on competing platforms, is a testament to his commitment to quality over quantity. His willingness to start small and build relationships has helped create a foundation for Vettted’s future growth. 

• Building in Public and Transparent Communication: By sharing candid updates on YouTube and social media, Vasco has created a sense of connection and trust with freelancers and early adopters. This “build in public” approach has not only attracted attention but also fostered a sense of community around the platform. His transparency has positioned him as a relatable and trustworthy leader in the freelance marketplace space, giving Vettted a human face. 

• Adaptability and Resilience in the Face of Challenges: When Vasco was forced to abandon his original plan to leverage his personal brand due to potential conflicts with another freelance marketplace, he quickly pivoted. This ability to adapt to unexpected challenges—such as rethinking his go-to-market strategy—demonstrates resilience and flexibility. His decision to turn setbacks into opportunities, such as using alternative strategies like Facebook ads and Twitter outreach to attract freelancers, underscores his creativity and persistence. 

• Founder’s Experience and Vision: Vasco’s years of freelancing, combined with his entrepreneurial experiments (from Minecraft maps to SEO services), have given him deep insight into the frustrations freelancers face and the gaps in existing platforms. His ability to identify and solve these problems is at the heart of Vettted’s appeal. His understanding of the gig economy and his sharp critique of traditional platforms’ flaws have shaped Vettted into a solution tailored to real-world pain points. 

• Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Gains: Despite modest early revenue ($245 in revenue and $2,450 in GMV), Vasco remains focused on building Vettted steadily rather than chasing immediate profitability. This patient, long-term perspective is critical for the success of a marketplace, where growth is often slow at first but builds exponentially over time. 

• Grit and Persistence: Vasco’s willingness to take risks, lean into discomfort, and push through challenging moments—such as the “Valley of Despair” he described—has been vital to Vettted’s development. His entrepreneurial mindset of embracing failure as a learning tool has enabled him to keep moving forward despite obstacles. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Start Before You’re Ready: The perfect moment to start doesn’t exist. Success favors those who take action rather than overanalyzing. As Vasco said, “You just have to dive in and figure things out as you go. Execution beats hesitation every time.” Vettted’s launch was imperfect, yet every step forward—no matter how small—has built momentum. The willingness to start and adapt along the way is a critical lesson for anyone stuck waiting for “ideal” conditions. 

2. Focus on Solving Real Problems: Successful businesses address clear, existing pain points. Vettted was born out of Vasco’s frustrations as a freelancer—high commissions, lack of transparency, and the generic, impersonal experience offered by most platforms. By designing Vettted to solve these specific issues, he created a product with a purpose. Entrepreneurs should start by identifying the genuine challenges their target audience faces and craft solutions that make a tangible difference. 

3. Niche Focus Beats Broad Appeal: Specialization leads to differentiation. Instead of competing with generalist platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, Vettted zoomed in on digital marketing—a growing, in-demand field where businesses often struggle to find high-quality talent. As Vasco noted, “Platforms trying to cater to everyone often end up serving no one particularly well.” The lesson here is to start small, focus deeply, and excel in one area before attempting to expand. 

4. Adaptability Is Crucial: Flexibility in the face of challenges is a survival skill. When Vasco’s initial strategy to leverage his personal brand was blocked by the threat of suspension from a competing platform, he quickly pivoted. He adopted creative alternatives, including personal outreach to freelancers and experimenting with social media strategies. The ability to adjust plans without losing sight of the bigger goal is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs. 

5. Transparency Builds Trust: Being open about your journey fosters credibility and loyalty. By documenting Vettted’s progress on YouTube and social media, Vasco shared the highs and lows of building a startup. This “build in public” approach not only humanized the brand but also attracted freelancers and supporters who appreciated his honesty. Whether you’re building a business or a personal brand, transparency can create a deeper connection with your audience. 

6. Bootstrapping Teaches Discipline: Limited resources force you to be resourceful and prioritize what matters most. Operating Vettted on a $2,000 monthly loss has required Vasco to make every dollar count. From leveraging programs like Microsoft Azure’s startup credits to carefully choosing team members and tools, every expense is scrutinized. This disciplined approach shows that financial constraints can spark innovation and smarter decision-making. 

7. Relationships Matter More Than Transactions: Building meaningful connections can drive long-term success. Whether through direct outreach to freelancers, conversations sparked by Facebook ads, or personalized engagement on Twitter, Vasco prioritized relationships over quick wins. By doing so, he fostered trust and collaboration, creating a solid foundation for Vettted’s growth. In business, cultivating relationships often yields more enduring results than focusing solely on short-term metrics. 

8. Persistence Is Everything: Success requires pushing through doubt, setbacks, and slow progress. Vasco’s description of the “Valley of Despair” resonates with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the challenges of entrepreneurship. But his persistence through that phase, even when progress seemed minimal, underscores the importance of grit. As he put it, “Momentum comes from doing, not waiting.” Staying consistent and moving forward, even when it feels difficult, is often what separates success from failure. 

9. Failure Is a Learning Tool: Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable but valuable. “Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process,” Vasco shared. Vettted’s story highlights that failures are not permanent; instead, they offer critical lessons that improve decision-making and business strategies. Entrepreneurs should view missteps as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up. 

10. Fairness and Values Can Be a Competitive Advantage: A business built on fairness and respect can stand out in competitive markets. Vettted’s freelancer-first approach—eliminating commissions and emphasizing transparency—addresses common frustrations in the gig economy. This values-driven model differentiates Vettted and positions it as a platform that prioritizes people over profits. Treating stakeholders with respect and fairness can create loyalty and trust, even in competitive industries. 

11. Leverage What You Have: Even with limited resources, you can create impact by utilizing what’s available. From his previous freelancing experiences to startup-friendly programs like Azure credits, Vasco used every tool at his disposal to build Vettted. The lesson here is to take inventory of your skills, networks, and opportunities and make the most of them, no matter how small they seem. 

12. Take Risks Before It’s Too Late: The fear of regret is more powerful than the fear of failure. Vasco’s philosophy—“If not now, then when?”—is a call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs. The risk of failure will always exist, but the opportunity to build something meaningful won’t wait forever. Acting with urgency, even in the face of uncertainty, is a vital mindset for anyone looking to turn an idea into reality. 

13. Patience Is Key to Building Marketplaces: Marketplaces require time to grow and balance supply with demand. With 287 users, 65 sellers, and only three active buyers, Vettted’s early growth is slow but deliberate. Vasco understands that building a two-sided marketplace takes time and requires a focus on both quality and relationships. The lesson for entrepreneurs is to temper expectations, knowing that marketplaces typically grow incrementally before achieving critical mass. 

14. Your Experience Shapes Your Vision: The challenges you face in life and work can inspire meaningful solutions. Vettted’s inception is rooted in Vasco’s years of freelancing and frustration with existing platforms. By drawing on his personal experiences, he built a platform that directly addresses those pain points. Entrepreneurs can find inspiration by reflecting on their own challenges and designing solutions based on firsthand knowledge. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background 

Vasco, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Lisbon, Portugal, started his career with unconventional ventures like selling Minecraft maps, e-cigarettes, and dropshipping. He later ran an SEO agency and freelanced on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. These experiences shaped his deep understanding of the pain points in the gig economy. 

Problem Identification 

Vasco observed that freelancers face high platform fees (20-30%), lack of transparency, and competition from low-quality $5 services. Businesses struggle to find vetted, high-quality marketing talent amidst a flood of unqualified providers. 

Market Opportunity  

The global freelance marketplace is valued at over $3 billion and growing. Digital marketing is a high-demand niche where businesses are increasingly seeking specialized, reliable professionals to scale their online presence. 

Competitive Landscape 

Dominated by platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, which focus on a broad range of services and charge high commissions. Specialized marketplaces like Toptal focus on quality but cater to tech roles rather than marketing. Vettted aims to carve out a unique position by specializing in productized marketing services with no commission fees. 

Market Research 

Vasco relied on personal experience as a freelancer and feedback from freelancers and buyers frustrated with existing platforms. Observing the success of niche marketplaces like Toptal, Airbnb, and Wander further validated the demand for specialization. 

Business Model 

Vettted charges businesses a 10% transaction fee per service sold while allowing freelancers to keep 100% of their earnings. The zero-commission model builds trust with freelancers and creates a competitive edge. 

Initial Capital  

Vasco bootstrapped Vettted with $20,000 of his personal savings. Additional support came from Microsoft Azure’s $5,000 hosting credit through its startup program. 

Product/Service Development 

Designed and prototyped using Figma, with a UI/UX designer hired through Upwork. Development was supported by a part-time senior full-stack developer, costing €1,200 per month. The platform emphasizes a sleek, intuitive user interface and easy productized service offerings. 

Marketing Strategy  

Focused on building relationships with freelancers through personal outreach, leveraging social media (Twitter, Facebook ads), and documenting the journey publicly on YouTube to build credibility and attract users. Vettted prioritized quality over quantity in onboarding sellers. 

Milestones 

• Launched with 287 users, 65 sellers, and three active buyers. 

• Generated $2,450 in gross merchandise value (GMV) and $245 in revenue within the first few months. 

• Developed a functioning, live platform with a vetted freelancer base. 

Scalability 

The zero-commission model attracts high-quality freelancers, while the focus on digital marketing enables scalable demand as businesses increasingly seek specialized talent. Vettted’s transparent structure positions it for niche expansion in other high-demand areas. 

Potential Risks and Challenges 

• Limited buyer activity due to the challenges of balancing supply and demand in an early-stage marketplace. 

• Competition from established platforms with larger user bases and marketing budgets. 

• Financial strain from bootstrapping with no outside funding. 

• Challenges in maintaining quality and vetting freelancers at scale. 

Key Performance Indicators/Metrics 

• Number of active buyers and sellers. 

• Gross merchandise value (GMV) and transaction volume. 

• Revenue growth (10% transaction fees). 

• Freelancer retention and satisfaction. 

• Buyer satisfaction and repeat purchase rates.