About the Company

Mockoon is a lightweight, developer-focused tool designed to mock APIs for faster development workflows. Built by Guillaume Monnet, a self-taught developer from Luxembourg, the company operates as a one-person side project. Mockoon’s mission is to simplify API mocking through an intuitive, free-to-use desktop interface, standing apart from competitors who rely on complex online deployments.

The application has remained open-source since its launch, encouraging contributions from developers worldwide. Mockoon continues to prioritize community building, with SEO, tutorials, and blog posts playing key roles in its growth. While future monetization options are being explored, the core application remains free.

Idea Behind Company

Guillaume, who transitioned from law to full-time coding in 2015, identified a gap in the market while working as a front-end engineer in 2017. Frustrated by the complexity of existing API mocking tools, he decided to create a simpler alternative.

Initially, Mockoon started as a portfolio project. Guillaume combined lessons from a previous failed startup, Sneepets, with insights from entrepreneurship books like The Lean Startup. He recognized that focusing on user feedback and creating something distinct—like a desktop application—would increase the tool’s value and appeal.

Creating the Company

Guillaume developed Mockoon's first MVP in just three months, leveraging his expertise in JavaScript, Angular, and Electron. He used a minimalist approach, avoiding over-engineering and prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. Early testing with coworkers validated the project and provided the confidence to launch publicly.

The tool’s open-source nature played a significant role in its success. Developers contributed code, fixed bugs, and provided feedback, creating a collaborative ecosystem. Hosting and infrastructure costs were minimized by relying on platforms like GitHub, Firebase, and Cloudflare, ensuring the tool remained cost-effective.

Launching the Business

Mockoon gained traction through strategic launches on platforms like Reddit and Product Hunt. Initial feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with articles and social media posts driving early traffic. Guillaume credits timing and platform-specific strategies for the success of these launches, emphasizing the importance of understanding where and when to post.

Since the launch, growth has been driven by SEO, word-of-mouth recommendations, and user engagement. Though Guillaume admits to neglecting marketing initially, he has shifted focus to producing blog posts, tutorials, and customer stories to build Mockoon’s brand and expand its reach.

Earnings

Currently, Mockoon is pre-monetization and entirely free to use. Guillaume has prioritized growth over earnings, aiming to create a strong foundation before exploring paid features or services. However, potential revenue streams, such as premium features or optional paid services, are being considered for the future.

The tool's success stems from its simplicity, open-source community, and word-of-mouth promotion, with users often recommending it within their teams. Despite being a side project, Mockoon continues to grow steadily, with 2021 plans focusing on content creation and expanding its user base.