How Dara Ladjevardian Built an AI Clone Generator

This is how Dara sold his first startup to build an AI that can clone anyone online, and raised funding from Keith Rabois for it.

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💼 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dara-ladjevardian
🚀 Startup → delphi.ai

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Founder Journey

• (00:56) — Dara's grandfather
• (03:45) — Dara's first encounter with LLMs
• (06:04) — Launching Friday: Dara's first company
• (08:10) — The Friday acquisition journey
• (08:54) — Working at OpenStore post-acquisition
• (48:03) — Lessons from building Friday

Co-founder Dynamics

• (09:38) — Choosing the right co-founder
• (12:01) — Transitioning from solo to co-founder
• (13:58) — Co-founders: bootstrapped vs. VC-backed companies

Marketing & Positioning

• (14:49) — Positioning Delphi
• (21:01) — Delphi's product roadmap
• (23:38) — PLG growth strategy
• (26:30) — Testing paid marketing channels
• (27:30) — Differentiating in the age of AI
• (33:35) — Dara's vision for building Delphi
• (37:27) — Attracting talent to your company

Mentorship & Investment

• (18:38) — Pitching Delphi to Founders Fund
• (38:16) — The importance of mentorship
• (40:21) — Lessons from Keith Rabois
• (41:51) — Effects of high-profile investors
• (42:57) — Why Keith Rabois invested in Dara
• (43:55) — Securing well-respected angels
• (44:44) — Dara’s fundraising tips
• (47:00) — Recognizing the need for VC backing

Additional Insights

• (29:18) — Future role of creators
• (31:02) — Future role of founders
• (35:26) — Passion as a priority in startups
• (49:35) — Niche focus vs. broad targeting

Rapid Fire

• (51:54) — Who's an investor you'd recommend?
• (52:32) — One thing you'd change about startups?
• (53:14) — Advice for first-time founders?
• (53:53) — Something you believe that most disagree with?