This Week in Startups

E985: #AskJason! Recognizing great founders as an investor, dealing with a lack of updates, raising capital through crowdfunding, the ideal makeup of today’s founder, how Angel Investing has changed since the release of “Angel”, standing out in slow-to-adapt markets

Oct 9, 2019
Dive into the fine line between great founders and mediocre ones, exploring key traits like product obsession and understanding customer needs. Learn about the importance of transparent communication in angel investing, especially regarding updates. Discover the shifts in angel investing dynamics, emphasizing profitability and customer-centric approaches. Uncover how crowdfunding is evolving, inviting non-accredited investors, and the challenges of securing funding in today’s competitive landscape. Plus, tips on standing out in slow-to-adapt markets!
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ADVICE

Spotting Unicorn Founders

  • Focus on founders obsessed with product craftsmanship and velocity.
  • Assess customer obsession and look for founders who deeply understand their target market.
ANECDOTE

Travis's Product Focus

  • Travis Kalanick's early Uber pitch highlighted his obsession with product details.
  • He focused on the name and map icon accuracy, showing a high level of product craftsmanship.
ANECDOTE

Thumbtack's Customer Focus

  • Thumbtack's founder, Marco Zappacosta, prioritized customer safety with background checks.
  • This demonstrated his deep customer focus, which led to Thumbtack's success.
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