Yasin Ehsan (Hiring) 🚀

Highly recommend this interview from the All-In Podcast summit with Tekedra N. Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo. Great work by Jason Calacanis, Chamath Palihapitiya, David O. Sacks, and David Friedberg. Here are some insights that stood out to me: 🚦 Why does Waymo avoid freeways? Freeways are pretty straightforward and Waymo is more focused on denser, unpredictable environments since they help the AI learn faster and better. 🤖 Tekedra referenced the ‘Waymo Driver’ often, which is an interesting term - in a way, they are building ‘one new driver’. 🤝 Will Waymo disrupt and decimate Uber? Well they’re partners so it would be an awkward yes so take this one with a grain of salt. Tekedra said that they don’t want to be experts at everything. They partner with OEMS on the vehicle side, so it made sense to partner with Uber on the rideshare platform side. I buy that.

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Series A Term Sheet Template

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Dear Founders, Leverage your identity. Your: 1. DNA 🧬 + 2. Experiences 💪 ----------------- Unique Identity 🤗 The combinatorial possibilities of human DNA + experiences are astonishing. No two humans are substitutable for each other. Period. If you aren't doing so already, find a way to integrate your identity into your pitch to clients and investors: — your story — your passion — your pain — your victories — your why Without you, your startup just another business selling just another product. Your company's greatest strength is you. So don't be shy. 🙈 Yours truly, David

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There are two levers an early stage founder can pull to grow their startup: → deliver the same use case for more segments → expand the use cases your product can deliver (either for one segment or multiple segments) Calendly is a rare example of a growth stage startup that has remained remarkably focused on one use primary use case: → scheduling meetings online Over time, they have used their incredible distribution to reach more and more segments and industries that have this specific need. They've become the "Kleenex" of scheduling tools and are the default even as large incumbents add scheduling tools to their much broader product suites. ClickUp has taken almost the exact opposite approach. They have expanded what use cases their product can deliver in effort to be the all-in-one solution for the entire business. The difficulty of pulling off this second strategy (for an early stage startup specifically) should become obvious when you look at the arrows. When taking the second growth strategy, the product and GTM teams are immediately pulled in multiple directions. In the first strategy, the entire business is rowing in the same direction. Each strategy has its pros and cons — and both of these companies are KILLING it. But when figuring out YOUR growth strategy, try to be honest about what your (likely very small) team can handle... and what they can't.

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Startups don’t just “run out of money.” They wait too long to discover and validate real problems or unmet needs. Problems get rationalized until it’s too late. Funding creates a false sense of security, exacerbating this issue. Founders need to get back to basic business building. Focus on achieving product-market revenue fit, and less on raising capital too early. Talk to customers, invalidate hypotheses and assumptions, iterate, and address problems early. Stay focused and be in the trenches. 💡 #Startup #Entrepreneurship

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The Ultimate Guide for Scaling, Sales & Raising Capital: Here are just a few reasons why this guide is a must-read: 1) Real-world expertise: Straight from the trenches of SaaS entrepreneurship, offering actionable advice that's been tested in the battlefields of startup growth. 2) Comprehensive coverage: From startup infancy to scaling heights, every phase of your journey is addressed, providing you with the knowledge to navigate the tricky waters of SaaS business. 3) Community wisdom: Leveraging the collective wisdom of the vibrant SaaStr community, the guide encapsulates diverse perspectives and solutions. PS. check out 🔔 for a winning pitch deck the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel https://lnkd.in/ejp-Bhnu

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Thrilled to share that I have been shortlisted for the The VC Fellowship! This opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and supporting visionary entrepreneurs. Excited to contribute to the startup ecosystem and learn from the best in venture capital. #VCFellowship #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #PassionForGrowth 🚀

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Breakdown of startup funding across sectors in 2024: 1. #Fintech: - 18.3% of seed stage funding - 17.1% of growth stage funding - 23.8% of late stage funding - Total funding: $2.5 Bn (17% decline from 2023) 2. #EnterpriseTech: - Raised $1.8 Bn - 167 deals 3. #ConsumerServices: - Raised $1.8 Bn - 48 deals - Boosted by Zepto's $1.3 Bn funding 4. #Ecommerce: - Raised $1.5 Bn (42.3% decline from 2023) - 203 deals (highest number of deals) 5. #Cleantech: - $829 Mn - 75 deals 6. #Healthtech: - $716 Mn - 78 deals 7. #Deeptech: - $460 Mn - 78 deals #Source: [1] After rough ride in 2024, Indian startups look for a promising new year https://lnkd.in/dVjxwUGC [2] Over 1 lakh 40 thousand recognized Start Ups in the country, over ... - PIB https://lnkd.in/dU9UQCN9 [3] After rough ride in 2024, Indian startups look for a promising new year https://lnkd.in/dkmzBN4q [4] Startup Funding Recap: November 2024 - PrivateCircle Blog https://lnkd.in/dP4MUx3Y [5] Unveiling the Indian Startup Funding Landscape in 2024 - LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/dcUTBRYB

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Crunchbase "state of the union" article on YTD funding for 2024. Per crunchbase, "First-quarter startup investment globally had its second-worst quarter since 2018." There is some good news though for AI and Healthcare as they emerge as the front-runners in the funding race- Security related software, however, was just a third of what it was circa 2021. While the article paints a bleak picture of the tech sector I have heard speculation from a myriad of PC and consulting companies that the second half of 2024 is poised for tremendous growth as PE and VC will look to take their money off the sidelines and put it back to work. I, along with many of you (I imagine), are hoping they are right this time. https://lnkd.in/empVt7-w

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The 10-Step Checklist for Launching a Mobile App 🚀 Launching an app is no small feat. Research shows that successful apps spend 2-3 months in pre-launch planning, nailing down the details before they ever hit the store. Here’s a 10-step checklist to set you on the right path: Identify Your Audience: Knowing your users is half the battle. Research their needs, preferences, and pain points. Competitive Analysis: Look at similar apps. What works, what doesn’t? Use this insight to make your app stand out. Define Core Features: Prioritize essential features. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test the waters. Create an Engaging Onboarding: First impressions matter. Design a smooth, user-friendly onboarding experience. Plan Pre-Launch Marketing: Build anticipation. Start an email list, post teasers, and engage early followers. Run a Beta Test: Gather feedback from real users. Beta testing is invaluable for catching issues and improving usability. Optimize for App Store SEO: Choose keywords wisely, create compelling descriptions, and use eye-catching visuals. Prepare for Launch Day: Triple-check everything! Ensure server capacity, functionality, and marketing are all set. Monitor Performance: Track analytics post-launch to see how users are interacting and where they drop off. Plan for Regular Updates: Users love seeing consistent improvement. Keep updates frequent and user-centered. Two quick resources for launching on iOS and Android 1. UPTech Team's Guide on Developing an App for iOS and Android: https://lnkd.in/gdSuVnhg 2. Everything to Know About How to Make an App for Android and iOS: https://lnkd.in/gVvB7DVD ––– Master a language or help others learn through your stories—and earn—with the YGlot app: https://yglot.app

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Y Combinator released this authoritative guide on launching dev tool startups and there cannot be a better thanksgiving gift for many current and future founders in this space. One key topic covered here- is open source right for your product? I’ve personally struggled with this decision and I’ve seen several founders face this question and lose a lot of sleep on it. Building a startup is a lot of blood, sweat and tears especially for founders who put in multiple years of time, money and effort and the decision to make their work open source or not is often irreversible. Wide ranging questions - Are you giving away too much for free? How will you monetize? Why can’t this be proprietary? What license is best suited? how will you drive adoption? Will this project take off? How much time and effort needs to go into evangelizing the project? Is this better done as part of a larger company? When can I raise funds after I open source my project? Will I get enough GitHub stars? What do GitHub stars even mean? Do they even matter? Will there be free riders ie competition eating my lunch especially the big cloud providers? To make things worse, you get equally good reasons and advice on both sides from authoritative founders and VCs who lived through these decisions with varying degrees of success but the challenge is distilling the advice to your startup, you’re product, to your market. I like the decision framework that Nicolas Dessaigne puts together that touches upon what type of tools are suited for open source. Highly recommend watching! (See link in comments) And, Happy thanksgiving for folks in the US!

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Y Combinator is a launchpad, not a label. Here’s how we maximized our YC S24 experience with Spur (YC S24): #1 Learn Relentlessly 📇 The best founders, according to YC partners, are insatiable learners. We approached every interaction hungry to absorb insights and "mind suck" their wisdom. #2 Show Up & Be Vulnerable ☝️ We said yes to every opportunity—talks, mock pitches, and feedback sessions. Failure didn’t matter; trying did. #3 Come Prepared 🚀 Starting with a somewhat validated idea and clear plan allowed us to hit the ground running. Pivoting is fine, but I do feel like doing YC with a solid foundation helps you make the most out of the experience YC opens the door. What you do next is entirely up to you.

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Scaling your startup is more than just expanding, it's about growing strategically and sustainably. This article explores the right time to scale, the operational challenges you may face, and how technology can fuel sustainable growth. Key takeaways include: Recognizing when to scale based on revenue, demand, and efficiency. Strategic planning, including financial readiness, market reach, and team building. Overcoming operational challenges like increased complexity, quality control, and resource allocation. Leveraging cloud computing, automation, data analytics, and cybersecurity for smooth scaling. At WezSol, we specialize in custom website and mobile app development services and help you navigate the complexities of scaling your operations. From optimizing your technology infrastructure to automating key processes, our expert team supports your growth with tailored solutions, ensuring your business scales efficiently and sustainably. Let WezSol be your partner in scaling smarter, not just bigger! #wezsol #scalingoperations #startupgrowth #businessscaling #eechforgrowth #customsoftware #mobileappdevelopment #sustainablegrowth #scalingstrategy

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🚀 Unlocking the nuances of Product Market Fit (PMF) is key to building successful ventures. It's not just about creating value; it's about capturing it effectively. In the world of startups and innovation, the VC2 framework offers a lens to understand this dynamic interplay. At its core, PMF is about delivering a product that resonates deeply with customers while addressing a specific market need. But let's dive deeper. PMF extends beyond mere satisfaction, but also validate revenue models, ensuring your offering can be monetized successfully. Here's where the distinction between creating and capturing value becomes pivotal. To capture value, you must first create it. In the realm of macroeconomics, value creation translates to enhancing customer experiences in B2C scenarios or boosting profitability for B2B entities. Pricing models play a crucial role here, as they must strike a balance between delivering value and capturing it. Ultimately, the success of any product hinges on its ability to generate sustainable revenue. If a product or service fails to do so, its long-term viability comes into question. In essence, PMF isn't just about creating buzz; it's about building a solid foundation for sustainable growth. By understanding the intricate dance between value creation and capture, entrepreneurs can steer their ventures towards lasting success. Courtesy : Harvard Kennedy School and The Lean Product Playbook. #ProductMarketFit #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #VC2

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Startup Playbook by Y Combinator: This invaluable resource is packed with wisdom distilled from guiding the early stages of giants like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. Key highlights include: 1) The vital importance of a great team: "Mediocre teams do not build great companies." 2) The art of execution: It's not just about ideas, but making them happen. 3) The power of focus: Laser-sharp focus can drive unprecedented growth and product love. PS. check out 🔔 for a winning pitch deck the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel https://lnkd.in/ejp-Bhnu

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🤔 Can mistakes with your tech stack blow up your startup 💣 That is the question this second season of Founders Mistakes seeks to answer. There are all sorts of things that can impact a startup when it comes to technology. Think things like security gaps, overbuilding, lack of cost controls, etc. So join us as we kick off another series of videos to dive into each of these topics 🙌 #startups #cloudcomputing #technology #FoundersintheCloud ***** Stay on top of all my startup lessons, stories, mistakes, and community updates by subscribing to the Founders in the Cloud newsletter! ➡️ Go to my profile ➡️ Click the button to View My Blog ➡️ Add your email and click subscribe ➡️ Receive a weekly email with practical startup tips

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Hebbia, a New York-based AI startup, just secured $130 million in Series B funding to transform how knowledge workers work. A few thoughts: 1. There is a massive opportunity for any company that can deliver the best UX for businesses to interact with AI. Matrix looks really interesting 👀 2. Startups like Hebbia recognize that the opportunity is in delivering a product that will actually solve people's problems. I'm bullish on this layer of the stack. 3. There are LOTs of openings at AI startups. You don't need to be an AI researcher or engineer. In fact, designers, product developers, marketers—this is your time to shine. Now may be a good time to reconsider your options. 4. I've been saying, SaaS is dead, but Alex Immerman just articulated it so brilliantly, I wish I had come up with it: "We're moving from Software-as-a-Service to Service-as-a-Software" Hats off to you my good sir. Hats off to you. 👏🏾 Congrats to George Sivulka and the entire Hebbia team. Read the Maginative article here - https://lnkd.in/eZZYdruX

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