This account is based on a conversation with Junead Khan, a 25-year-old entrepreneur based in Seattle. Previously, he worked at Microsoft before leaving last year to dedicate himself to his startup, Treasury. The narrative has been revised for brevity and clarity.
Junead had a positive introduction to Microsoft when he started as a full-time employee in 2023, right in the midst of the AI revolution. His role involved the global rollout of data centers, which he found to be an excellent opportunity. However, following some service outages, by early 2025, he noticed a shift towards prioritizing security and stability, resulting in a slower pace of product delivery. This change started to diminish his enjoyment at work.
As he observed improvements in AI coding tools, he found himself eager to experiment and gain quicker access to these innovations. Despite earning over $200,000 in 2024, including stock options and bonuses, Junead felt he wasn’t acquiring the AI skills he desired.
Intrigued by the concept of an AI startup he had been developing in his spare time, he began to seriously contemplate leaving Microsoft. However, he wasn't ready to make an immediate exit.
The entrepreneurial spark for Treasury ignited during his senior year of college. Originally from the UK, Junead moved to the United States in 2019 for a degree in computer science at the University of North Carolina. He recognized that managing finances in both countries was challenging with the existing financial tools available.
Around this time, AI technology was rapidly advancing, sparking his curiosity about creating a financial advisory tool accessible to average consumers who often cannot afford professional advice. After graduating and before starting at Microsoft that summer, he began developing Treasury, which he describes as an AI-driven money coach.
For the next two years, Junead balanced his startup with his Microsoft job, all while contemplating a transition. He applied to various startup accelerators, including Y Combinator, hoping to gain the push he needed to quit Microsoft and focus on Treasury full-time. However, after not receiving acceptance, he decided he didn’t want to wait for external validation to fully commit to his venture. He began viewing his Microsoft earnings as seed funding for his startup.
Being strategic in his departure was important to him. He waited until some of his stock vested and ensured he had stayed at Microsoft long enough to not have to repay a portion of his sign-on bonus. Last August, after nearly two years with Microsoft, he resigned and subsequently launched his business two months later.
Upon leaving Microsoft, Junead took to social media to document his journey of building Treasury. He focused on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to share both successes and setbacks, realizing this was crucial since he wouldn't be raising venture funding or investing in paid ads. He believed that, as AI technology rendered software development more accessible, cultivating a personal brand and audience would grow increasingly important for his career. Even if Treasury didn’t thrive, he understood that sharing his experiences could enhance his prospects for future job opportunities.
Initially, Junead had a very limited social media following, but he knew he needed to start somewhere. By sharing his entrepreneurial experiences, including challenges and product failures, he aimed to provide a real insight into the startup journey as a solo founder without venture capital backing.
His honest approach resonated with audiences, and within a year, he grew his following to around 30,000 across various platforms—from just 500 followers on TikTok to over 9,000.
Junead advises that effective social media growth comes from telling your story in a way that feels authentic to you. While many might think video content is the only way forward, he emphasizes that other formats such as articles or long-form videos could be more suitable for different individuals.
He was also encouraged by the advancements in AI, which allowed him to consider building the company on his own. A few years back, he believed he would need a cofounder to get the business off the ground, but the development of tools like Claude Code and Codex has made software creation much faster and more feasible.
As of now, Junead runs Treasury solo. The startup has already acquired paying customers, generating over $6,000 in revenue. It’s still in its early stages, with Junead not taking a salary; instead, he relies on his savings accumulated prior to leaving Microsoft. Initially, he promised himself a year to evaluate the company’s progress, and he continues to believe in the value of his product and the support from his audience.
Leaving a lucrative position without external funding or customers was undoubtedly a risk, but through this experience, he learned a valuable lesson: don’t wait for permission from others to pursue your dreams. In the past, he had thought that certain milestones or acceptance into programs would validate his decision to move forward. Now, he realizes that sometimes, the only endorsement you need comes from within.
