Product Hunt was started by Ryan Hoover in 2013 as a simple email list that curated new tech products. It quickly grew into a full web platform where makers launch their products and the community votes on favorites. A successful Product Hunt launch day can drive thousands of signups for a new startup.
AngelList acquired Product Hunt in 2016, and it’s since become the go-to launchpad for indie hackers, startup founders, and product teams. Every day, new products are submitted and ranked by community upvotes. The daily leaderboard creates a competitive, event-like atmosphere that generates genuine excitement.
The platform hosts launches across categories including developer tools, AI products, design software, mobile apps, and hardware. Some of today’s well-known companies — including Notion, Figma, and Loom — got early traction through strong Product Hunt debuts.
Product Hunt’s community includes founders, investors, journalists, and early adopters who actively comment on and discuss new products. The platform also runs special events like Golden Kitty Awards, an annual ceremony recognizing the best products of the year.
Based in San Francisco, Product Hunt operates with a relatively small team. The platform is free to use for both makers and voters. Revenue comes from promoted launches and job listings. Over the years, Product Hunt has become more than a discovery tool — it’s a cultural touchpoint in the startup world where the tech community decides what’s worth paying attention to.
