Changing the Game with Mode Mobile and EarnPhone

Let’s talk about Dan Novaes—entrepreneur, CEO of Mode Mobile, and the guy who’s making it possible for people to actually earn money just by using their phones. Sounds wild, right? Well, it’s real, and it’s all part of his vision with Mode Mobile and their game-changing device: the EarnPhone.

From eBay Hustler to Startup Founder

Dan’s story kicks off in a pretty relatable way. Back in middle school, while most of us were figuring out locker combos, Dan was already thinking like a businessman. By high school, he was an eBay titanium power seller, pulling in over a million dollars in sales by flipping products between the U.S. and Brazil. Seriously.

Growing up between Indiana and South America gave him a unique lens on how different markets work. He’d buy gaming consoles in the U.S. and sell them for a major profit in Brazil. That hustle mindset laid the foundation for everything he’s doing now.

The Birth of Mode Mobile and EarnPhone

Fast forward to college—Dan tried his hand at launching a music platform. It didn’t take off like he hoped, but it gave him a key insight: people wanted free stuff, and many were tight on cash. That sparked a big idea: what if users could get paid for listening to music?

That one idea snowballed into something bigger. Over 250,000 people joined the waitlist. But making money just from music proved tough. So Dan and his team pivoted. They explored gaming, shopping, and other mobile habits. Slowly but surely, this evolved into a new kind of mobile experience—one where your time on your phone could actually earn you money.

The Vision: EarnPhone

Dan’s big mission? If we’re already glued to our phones 30–40 hours a week, why not get paid for it?

That’s where EarnPhone comes in. It’s a phone designed to reward you for doing everyday things—like playing games, shopping, or even charging your device. Brands pay for your attention, and you get a piece of that pie.

You might get a cash bonus for depositing money into a brokerage account, or earn while just doing your regular scroll. It’s a win-win: you get paid, and advertisers get real engagement.

Building a Community Through Crowdfunding

One of the coolest parts of Mode Mobile is how they’ve opened up ownership to everyday users. Dan believes the best companies are built with the community—not just for them.

Through their crowdfunding model, users can invest and become shareholders. That means you’re not just earning with your phone—you’re growing with the company, too.

Learning, Pivoting, and Growing

Dan’s journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. He’s had to learn (and re-learn) how to bounce back when things didn’t go as planned. But instead of seeing failure as a stop sign, he treats it like a detour.

That mindset has helped him stay focused and resilient. And it’s also driven him to keep learning—from business deals to personal growth habits like isolation tank float sessions to spark creative thinking.

Advice from Dan

For anyone looking to walk a similar path, Dan has a few words of wisdom:

Be different. Don’t just follow the blueprint—create your own.
Think like an investor. Build businesses that can scale, sell, or support your long-term vision.
Play the long game. With generational wealth shifting and tech evolving fast, there’s never been a better time to be bold.

Want In?

If you’re curious about how to start earning with Mode Mobile, grab the app and check out EarnPhone. You can even explore becoming an investor at invest.modemobile.com.

Dan Novaes is proof that with hustle, heart, and some serious creativity, you really can change the game—and maybe even make money while scrolling Instagram.

Watch this full episode on the Let's Go Win YouTube channel