Episode 744 | Bluesky, TinySeed is Raising, YC Backs Competitors, and More Hot Take Tuesday Topics
Dec 17, 2024
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Join Tracy Osborn, an active tech influencer and contributor to TinySeed, alongside Einar Vollset, co-founder of TinySeed, as they dive into the rising social media platform Bluesky. They make bold predictions about its future and engage in a friendly bet. The duo also discusses TinySeed's new fundraising efforts and how Y Combinator chooses to support competing startups. They tackle imposter syndrome faced by founders and reflect on the implications of potential social media regulations in Australia, highlighting the balance between freedom and safety.
The emergence of Bluesky as a potential Twitter alternative presents unique opportunities for indie hackers despite skepticism about its long-term viability.
TinySeed's focus on sustainable growth for B2B SaaS startups highlights a shift towards valuing founder capabilities over high valuations in a competitive landscape.
Deep dives
The Rise of Blue Sky
Blue Sky has emerged as a potential alternative to Twitter, drawing attention for its early days reminiscent of Twitter's initial atmosphere. Tracy Osborne shares her positive experiences with Blue Sky, noting its fun and engaging community compared to the current state of Twitter, which she finds less useful for her career. She highlights the opportunity for indie hackers and makers to join this nascent platform, emphasizing its appeal for those looking to share their projects. Conversely, Anar Volset expresses skepticism about Blue Sky's longevity, likening it to previous social networks that quickly faded away, suggesting a potential fleeting trend rather than a lasting competitor.
Tiny Seed's Third Fund Raising
Tiny Seed, the first startup accelerator for SaaS bootstrappers, is in the process of raising its third investment fund, continuing its mission since 2019. Anar Volset elaborates on Tiny Seed’s purpose to support founders by investing in companies where success is measured beyond high valuations, focusing instead on sustainable growth for B2B SaaS businesses. The accelerator aims to help new startups navigate the market successfully, citing a current portfolio of nearly 200 companies that exemplify its unique approach. This effort demonstrates the community’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem where early-stage companies can thrive.
Y Combinator's Approach to Competition
A recent TechCrunch article reveals that Y Combinator frequently backs startups that compete with other companies within its portfolio, sparking conversation about the strategy. Both Tiny Seed and Y Combinator focus more on the capabilities of founders rather than strictly on their ideas, allowing for flexibility in supporting pivots and evolving company missions. This method reinforces the belief that strong founders can adapt and thrive, regardless of competition that may arise during their journeys. However, the potential for conflicting interests among competing startups raises concerns about the dynamics and viability of various investment strategies in densely populated markets.
Addressing Procrastination and Self-Doubt
The podcast discusses the challenges of procrastination and imposter syndrome that many founders face, emphasizing the detrimental effects on their decision-making process. Anar Volset suggests that analysis paralysis often stems from a desire to reduce uncertainty and the fear of making mistakes, which can hinder progress. He encourages founders to embrace uncertainty as an intrinsic part of startup life, arguing that real opportunity arises in ambiguous environments. The conversation illustrates the need for founders to act decisively and recognize that most startup decisions are reversible, which helps mitigate fears around not being 'good enough' in their pursuits.
In episode 744, Rob Walling is joined by Tracy Osborn and Einar Vollset to give their hot takes on some recent news. They cover the recent rise of Bluesky, kicking off a 4-figure bet between Tracy and Einar. Then they discuss TinySeed’s third fund, YC Combinator backing competitors, dealing with imposter syndrome, and finally government involvement in banning social media.
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