The Startup Ideas Podcast Building a Mini Berkshire Hathaway
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Sep 1, 2022 Xavier Helgesen and Sieva Kozinsky, co-founders of Enduring Ventures, dive into their entrepreneurial journeys shaped by social impact. They discuss the power of acquiring stable, cash-flow businesses and the strategic use of SBA loans. The duo shares insights on Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and its tax benefits, potentially leading to millions in tax-free profits. They also touch on the importance of long-term investments and patience, with reflections on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and the community around 'boring businesses.'
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Mini Golf Hustle
- Xavier Helgesen leased a mini golf course at 14, learning about low marginal cost businesses.
- He increased perceived busyness to attract paying customers and illegally sold snacks.
Early Social Network
- Xavier Helgesen created a proto-college social network around the year 2000, predating Facebook.
- It featured an e-dog book and teacher reviews but focused on hyperlocal networks, limiting scalability.
Better World Books
- Xavier Helgesen founded Better World Books, raising money for literacy by selling donated books online.
- They partnered with institutions like the New York Public Library, handling online sales for a revenue share.