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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🚀 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?

How Dara Ladjevardian Built an AI Clone Generator