“I've launched I think it's 56 or 57 apps at this point and all but about six of them have completely failed. I say that mostly because it's like I've launched more failures probably than anyone in the app store in some ways — and that's the way that you can end up with success.”

56 Apps, 50 Failed — Volume Is the Path to Success

David Smith's portfolio covers 13+ years and the vast majority of attempts were financial failures. His insight is that volume of attempts — not a single brilliant bet — is what eventually produces breakout hits. A foundation app providing baseline income allows him to keep shipping without risking starvation between experiments.