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?