How a Golf App Doubled Revenue with Bold Bets — Alex Prasad, V1 Sports

V1 Sports, a leader in video golf swing analysis software, transitioned from a freemium model to subscription-only monetization, which initially led to customer friction but ultimately resulted in a 90% revenue increase within 12 months. CEO Alex Prasad and his team faced challenges during this shift, including negative feedback from users accustomed to free access, but used this as an opportunity to better understand customer needs and refine their messaging. By focusing on their ideal customer and understanding user engagement, V1 Sports discovered untapped opportunities, such as catering to users seeking coaches, which helped enhance customer satisfaction and subscription rates. This strategic pivot allowed the company to modernize its app while maintaining core features valued by long-time users, thus attracting new customers without alienating the existing base. The experience underscored the importance of aligning monetization strategies with user needs for sustainable long-term growth.