This Week in Startups

Ilir Sela, Founder and CEO of Slice, shares insights on how his platform empowers local pizzerias by digitizing orders and implementing a unique reverse franchise model. He discusses the struggles small pizzerias faced during the pandemic and the impactful 'Pizza vs. Pandemic' initiative. Ilir also delves into the challenges of high delivery fees from major apps and how Slice stands out with lower costs. Plus, he reflects on raising over $40M in Series C funding amidst these challenges and the future of remote work in the pizza industry.

In this engaging discussion, Keith Rabois, General Partner at Founders Fund and a pivotal figure in Silicon Valley, shares insights on the evolving startup landscape post-COVID-19. He argues that domain expertise may be overrated and emphasizes the importance of independent thinking in chaos. Rabois explores the impact of the U.S.-China relationship on startups and warns against complacency in global manufacturing. He also reveals his thoughts on what makes a startup successful, and why the current moment could be ripe for innovation despite economic uncertainty.

Cameron Teitelman, founder of StartX and Nexus Events, discusses how universities lacking an entrepreneurial culture can replicate Stanford's success. He emphasizes the importance of supportive accelerator programs and shares insights on building a flexible culture during COVID. The conversation also touches on the current investment landscape for startups, highlighting unique funding opportunities. Teitelman offers advice for solo founders seeking mentorship and the value of quickly launching minimum viable products to foster innovation.

Elizabeth Yin, Co-founder and General Partner of Hustle Fund, shares her innovative portfolio strategy focused on attracting first-time LPs and high-frequency investing. She discusses the complexities of fundraising in the current climate and how COVID-19 has shifted startup strategies. Elizabeth also dives into the challenge of maintaining pro-rata stakes as a smaller fund and what to look for when deciding to make follow-on investments. Plus, insights on the increasing ability of founders to influence investor decisions make this conversation one to remember!

Phil Libin, CEO of All Turtles and former Evernote leader, shares invaluable wisdom for early-stage founders. He discusses whether to rely on data or instincts when making decisions. The conversation shifts to the importance of globally relevant products and the challenges of localization. Libin also dives into the evolving landscape of remote work, emphasizing the need for balance between flexibility and community engagement. With insights on growth strategies and navigating funding, he offers a rich perspective for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dive into the world of angel investing with expert insights on sourcing deals and evaluating startups. Discover how to negotiate effectively and manage your investment portfolio. Learn about an initiative that combines angel investing with charity, offering a unique opportunity for accredited investors to make a difference. The interactive workshop format adds excitement to the educational journey, making it engaging for all participants.

Siobhan Dullea, CEO of MassChallenge, leads a nonprofit accelerator that uniquely supports startups without taking equity. She discusses the acceptance of hundreds of companies annually and what makes an application stand out. Dullea explains the intricacies of prize distribution and the sustainability of a nonprofit model in nurturing innovation. Furthermore, she shares insights on investor attitudes, particularly why East Coast investors favor intellectual property, and reflects on the transformation of accelerators in a post-COVID world.

Discover what founders and investors often miss in pitches and how to craft captivating cold emails. Dive into strategies for effective customer research and learn the key traits of successful founders. The impact of COVID-19 on deal flow sheds light on adapting in challenging times. Explore domain name hacks and the importance of a startup’s name in branding. Plus, insights on improving customer retention and the debate between freemium models versus limited-time offers!

Join Sandy Munro, an engineer and CEO of Munro & Associates, as he shares his insights on the electric vehicle revolution. He passionately discusses the Tesla Model Y, diving into its design and manufacturing costs. Munro recounts his journey from farm life to engineering leadership at Ford, influenced by Dr. Deming’s teachings. He compares Tesla’s advancements to competitors and reveals an impressive analysis of the BMW i3, teasing findings that bridge quality assessments between the Model 3 and Model Y.

Dan Pupius, CEO and co-founder of Range, dives into the world of remote team culture. With a background at Google and Medium, he shares insights on the crucial role of asynchronous communication and how to keep motivation high among team members. Dan discusses his experiences with Google+ and the lessons learned from its rise and fall, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety in remote work. He also explores frameworks like Holacracy and the future of hybrid work environments, all while weaving in thoughts on cultural influences from events like Burning Man.