Hari Nair

In startups, understanding founder personas is crucial—and trust me, they’re often worse than you can imagine. Here are a few of the worst types of founder personas operating in the ecosystem today: The Cumbaya Founder: This type is all about peace, love, and not wearing shoes. Money? That’s just the means to an end. Their priority? Establishing a “great culture”—and probably a drum circle. The Terminator Founder: This one is working 24/7 and will only sleep when they’re dead—which, at this rate, should be Wednesday. They’re all about hustle, but someone needs to remind them that the body needs rest…preferably before it shuts down. The Family-First Founder: This founder is focused on creating more than just a team; they want a family. Expect to not only work for free but also to spend your evenings bonding over team-building exercises and a rewatch of The Social Network. The Change-the-World Founder: They envision themselves as the next “Steve Jobs” (at least in their mind). They love to talk—mostly about what their startup will accomplish (which hasn’t launched yet)—and they prefer everyone to be on a Zoom call to hear their insights…with cameras on, of course! What is the founder persona that you avoid? #startup #founders  #venturecapital

31

22 Comments

Any YouTube content creators you recommend for Entrepreneurs? by Ronawati Wongso While I don’t typically watch YouTube, I can recommend a few content creators that many entrepreneurs find valuable. Channels like Gary Vaynerchuk, Valuetainment by Patrick Bet-David, and Ali Abdaal offer actionable advice on business, productivity, and personal growth. These creators break down complex concepts into digestible content, ideal for those looking for insights on scaling businesses or optimizing performance. However, if you’re like me and prefer books, I’d recommend reading titles like “Company Makeover for Massive Profits” for a deeper, more structured understanding of entrepreneurship and profit optimization. https://lnkd.in/gAt5KYrP #ronawatiwongso #ezcc #rantaiconsulting #rantaibusinessacademy #companymakeoverformassiveprofits

7

4 Comments

We've been talking a lot about founder vesting in ZeroTo510 and Capital Readiness lately. This is an interesting chart that shows how common founders leaving companies is and demonstrates why a fair vesting schedule is important to protect your equity; not just for investors, but for founders as well. Erika Dillard, MD, PhD Anthony Swoboda, MBA Ferhan Jemal Esra Roan, PhD Jermaine Fletcher Brogan McGuire SOJOURNER EDMONSON-SEALY Wesley Montague Tonya Collins Kontji Anthony Amani Johnson-Singh-Barnett Christopher B.

13

3 Comments

🚀130K USD SaaS Deals in 4 months+ (equivalent to small seed fund) 💡 and we’re just getting started!—I’m projecting 3-4x growth by 2025 as we expand to few more countries 🌍 Here’s My Playbook 💼 1. Nail Your Niche & PMF: Find a company like Codemax Sdn Bhd that has product-market fit (PMF) in a space that needed us. Think big within a niche—like Sam Altman says, it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond. 🐟 2. Obsess Over Customers: Forget just closing deals—solve real problems. No white elephants, just value. This builds trust and keeps clients coming back. 🤝 3. Numbers Game: Regardless SMB or Enterprise sales, it's still about volume at Scale — every “no” gets you closer to a YES that counts. 💡 4. Team Is Everything: Closing is just step one. You need A-players across the board to deliver on your promise. Sales is a tango—sync up and execute. 🎯 Over 7 years, I’ve launched and grown 5 companies/business units from scratch to success (none of them died—thankfully!). Now, I’m diving into my 6th journey with even bigger goals. 🙌 If my journey can inspire even one person to keep pushing or help someone give back to their community, that’s a win in my book. Want to hear more? Hit follow and like! Let’s grow together. #Codemax #SaaS #B2BSaaS #ERPalternative #FoodandBeverage #VC #Seedfunding

42

8 Comments

Playing it safe in Southeast Asia’s startup scene? You’re getting left behind. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from building and scaling businesses, it’s this: You need to be bold. As a business coach for B2B startup founders in Southeast Asia, I’ve seen firsthand how embracing boldness can be a game-changer. Whether you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, networking with the right people, or pitching a new idea, being bold is what opens doors to new opportunities. Here’s how you can practice boldness in your professional journey: 1. Speak Up: Don’t hold back your ideas in meetings or discussions. Your perspective might just be what drives the next breakthrough. 2. Take Risks: The biggest opportunities often come from calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. 3. Network Fearlessly: Get outside your usual circle. Attend events, join communities, and connect with people who challenge and inspire you. You never know where your next opportunity will come from. 4. Keep Learning: Boldness also means staying curious. Seek out new skills, dive into new topics, and always be in learning mode. The more you know, the more doors you can open. 5. Embrace Failure: Failure is part of the journey. Every setback is a lesson. Own it, share it, and use it to propel you forward. The startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia is full of potential. By being bold, you can carve your path, connect with the right people, and discover opportunities that match your passion and expertise. What bold step will you take today?

73

9 Comments

How to Generate Innovative Startup Ideas That Get Funded Are you an aspiring founder searching for that million-dollar idea? Developing an innovative startup concept that gets funded requires creativity as well as a strategic, customer-focused approach. Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending an Antler masterclass led by Frank Kang on the art and science of "Idea Generation." Drawing from decades of experience advising startups, Frank shared invaluable insights to help unlock our creative potential and innovate effectively. Here are the key lessons I learned: 1. Start with the Problem, Not the Solution Deeply understand your customers' pain points. How urgent and painful is this problem for them? Validating real needs is crucial before even thinking about solutions. 2. Talk to Your Customers Have conversations early and often. Get feedback to validate your assumptions. This step is vital before building anything. 3. Innovate the Core Consider what's new in your product, process or business model. Don't just iterate, truly differentiate yourself. 4. Leverage Your Strengths Understand your unfair advantage. Why you? This can be the key to standing out. Aspiring founders, apply these lessons to develop innovative ideas that get funded. Let me know if you have any other tips! What was the breakthrough moment that sparked your startup idea? I'd love to hear your stories. #startup #anlterGlobal

14

1 Comment

Key takeaways: 1. Proprietary data = moat in AI 2. Business case for 'Vertical System Integrators' - e.g. 'IT' for Finance, Insurance, etc. Seeing more of these in Southeast Asia also. I guess this is what a16z had in mind when saying "we're entering the new SaaS era, moving from Software-as-a-Service to Service-as-a-Software." https://lnkd.in/gdcJwmcH

7

1 Comment

I have operated on all sides of the equation of Venture Building from building new ventures inside of corporates, investing in ventures that were spun out and building organizations that build mechanisms to build “startups” inside a big company. I believe that it could be done but mostly Sarah Guo is telling us the harsh and uncomfortable truth. I believe that there are three elements that allow “startups” to exist and the grow. 1️⃣ The right founders - founders that are willing to risk it all since they have such conviction and passion to solve the problem that they are willing to bet everything. In some of the venture building ventures you don’t risk anything and people might do it because it exciting or diverse activity to their role. 2️⃣ The right incentives - as a founder i tried to maximise control and remain with my Co-founders as the majority. It’s our baby. Founders need partner and investors on their cap table, but some of the models that give 5% to a founder are false incentives. 3️⃣ Freedom to operate - great founders need freedom to build, experiment, partner and mainly they need freedom to fail over and over. Some of the internal startup models surround the company with set of boundaries and decision makers that are essentially don’t give them freedom to be entrepreneurs and make mistakes. I believe that there are two ways to make it right: 1️⃣ build completely independent entity - this will include a founding team with significant shares and freedom to make their own decisions, hire etc. and the Big company can be a MINORITY investor. 2️⃣ Build a product or project internally ans then spin it out - the greatest examples I have is Amazon Web Services (AWS) which started with Andy Jassy as the project leader but is now one of the largest cash generating mechanisms of Amazon. It’s a tough ans challenging topic and I believe that the combination of Big companies and entrepreneurs is so essential but it should be with attention to the elements I described here. Love the comments also in the thread by Kim T. , Roger Dickey , Chinmay Singh Yuliya Bel Pavan Sethi Jesse Pollak Austin Petersmith Brad Porter Sébastien Willems Trace Cohen Alex MacGregor Dennis Knodt Claudio Fuentes Allison Braley Aleksa Gordić Max Zadeh Joshua Forman Vivek Raghunathan Nemoy Rau , #venturebuilding #startups #innovation #intrapreneurship #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #corporateinnovation #startups #founders

29

18 Comments

Building a startup now is like the old saying - "selling ice cream during winter". You are doing it at an unfavorable time. But it also shows that you are not here for the hype, you truly believe in something. Here's Antler & Winnie Khoo connecting with founders who are ideating or building during the 'startup funding winter' - The time when most resilient founders shine.

1

Pitching to investors? Here’s what your deck should cover : Introduction- Bold statement/your personal story The Problem Your solution Your product The Market The Team Your Ask Key is to keep every slide simple, with key information. No information overload. Glad I attended the workshop on how to build your pitchdeck by Peter Thomsen The guy’s a legend. Did I miss anything?

72

3 Comments

Building Startups that Last: Lessons from the Trenches Recently, I’ve been consulting for a startup led by a brilliant founder with deep expertise and a PhD in machine learning. The product they’ve built is impressive, and their efforts to secure funding are commendable. But during one of our conversations, I had to pause and deliver some hard truths: Your product is amazing, but where’s the revenue plan? Startups often focus so much on perfecting the product and raising capital that they overlook one crucial piece of the puzzle: a clear path to sustainable revenue. I sat the founder down and emphasized: “It’s great that you’re building a fantastic product and securing funding, but you need to figure out revenue from day one. Even if it doesn’t kick in immediately, there has to be a roadmap.” My role? Helping them create a business structure and model that isn’t just about building, but also about sustaining, ensuring they have a clear path to monetization while scaling. For anyone building something new, remember: Funding might get you started, but revenue is what keeps you in the game. Have you faced similar challenges in balancing product development and business sustainability? Tell me about it in the comments! #StartupLessons #RevenueFirst #SustainableGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Tech #Africa

12

2 Comments

🔥Raise Millions For Your Startup🔥 This is arguably the most valuable startup fundraising resource I've had the privilege of stumbling upon. It's from Tam Pham from hustlefund.vc and it's good... The reason why it's particularly useful is because the intel provided is ACTIONABLE: ● Should I raise from angel investors or venture capitalists? ● What do all the fundraising stages mean? ● What do equity, SAFEs, and dilution mean? ● How do I determine my startup’s valuation? ● Why are cap tables, shares, and vesting so important? ● Where should I incorporate my company? ● When is the best time to start fundraising? ● What exactly should I include in my pitch deck? ● How should I structure my first meeting with an investor? ● What questions will early-stage VCs ask me? ● How do I build authentic relationships with investors? ● What happens if an investor says no or ghosts me? ● What should I expect after an investor verbally commits? You guys can save this doc to your local computer by enlarging the PDF below and then by clicking the "download" icon in the top right corner of your browser. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 💡Join 30,000+ Amplified Investors: https://lnkd.in/eAYGMHRN ---------------------------------------------------------------------

354

34 Comments

Being an introverted startup founder in GovTech has been a transformative journey of personal growth, to say the least. I was always naturally an introvert, especially when it came to being around people I didn’t consider myself close to. When we started building Sweetspot (YC S23), I quickly realized that this was the wrong industry to be in if I wanted to just put my head down, hide in my room all day, and work. At first, it felt like everyone I met when I went to DC for events always seemed to get along with each other and were coordinating happy hours, while I felt like an outsider who couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel room to be alone and call my cofounders to work. In a way, it challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and become the best version of myself — it’s what was needed for the business. Over the past year, I’ve learned to embrace all the different social challenges that’ve been thrown my way as opportunities for self-discovery. The path of a founder isn’t just about building a business – it's also about embarking on a profound journey of personal transformation. Anyone else that was initially an introvert but became an extrovert after starting a job? Would love to hear your experiences. #govcon #government #contracting #federal #sales #introvert #extrovert #b2b #saas #ai #startup #founder #yc #ycombinator

117

16 Comments

Good advice to aspiring entrepreneurs! Please don't wreck your personal health, career, family and finances just to create a unicorn for the investors. Remember the marginal value of money becomes 0 after a while. Any money you make above that number does not increase your quality of life. Above all - whether you want to create a Unicorn or a $5M ARR business, enjoy the ride and have fun.

8

1 Comment

🚀 Unlocking the nuances of Product Market Fit (PMF) is key to building successful ventures. It's not just about creating value; it's about capturing it effectively. In the world of startups and innovation, the VC2 framework offers a lens to understand this dynamic interplay. At its core, PMF is about delivering a product that resonates deeply with customers while addressing a specific market need. But let's dive deeper. PMF extends beyond mere satisfaction, but also validate revenue models, ensuring your offering can be monetized successfully. Here's where the distinction between creating and capturing value becomes pivotal. To capture value, you must first create it. In the realm of macroeconomics, value creation translates to enhancing customer experiences in B2C scenarios or boosting profitability for B2B entities. Pricing models play a crucial role here, as they must strike a balance between delivering value and capturing it. Ultimately, the success of any product hinges on its ability to generate sustainable revenue. If a product or service fails to do so, its long-term viability comes into question. In essence, PMF isn't just about creating buzz; it's about building a solid foundation for sustainable growth. By understanding the intricate dance between value creation and capture, entrepreneurs can steer their ventures towards lasting success. Courtesy : Harvard Kennedy School and The Lean Product Playbook. #ProductMarketFit #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #VC2

5

This is a cautionary tale for all founders: Don't blow your budget on your MVP! Use a simple solution to get to market fast and start selling. Whether success or failure follows, you'll know it quickly and be able to pivot.

2

The Pivot Paradox: When Changing Course is the Only Way Forward Sometimes, the bravest thing a startup can do is admit it's on the wrong path. Here's how to pivot with purpose. In my decade-plus journey through the startup ecosystem, I've learnt that the ability to pivot can be the difference between breakthrough success and quiet failure. It's a paradox: the vision that drives us forward might be holding us back. Why pivots matter: 1. Market Fit: Align with actual market needs. 2. Resource Optimisation: Save time and money spent on flawed directions. 3. Team Morale: Reinvigorate a team facing persistent challenges. Signs it might be time to pivot: 1. Stagnant Growth: Plateaued metrics despite best efforts. 2. Customer Feedback: Users love the product but will only pay or use it the same. 3. Market Changes: New technologies or regulations obsolete your plan. 4. Competitive Pressure: Bigger players enter your space. Consider Slack's pivot: It began as Tiny Speck, a gaming company developing "Glitch." Despite years of development and millions in funding, Glitch needed to gain traction. The team looked at what was working—their internal communication tool. Pivoting to focus on this, they created Slack. The result? One of the fastest-growing B2B software companies in history was ultimately acquired for $27.7 billion. How to pivot effectively: 1. Data-Driven Decisions: Base your pivot on solid data. 2. Maintain Core Strengths: Carry forward what's working. 3. Communicate Clearly: Be transparent with stakeholders. 4. Move Decisively: Execute quickly once decided. 5. Stay Flexible: Be ready for further adjustments. Overcoming challenges: 1. Team Resistance: Address concerns and emphasise opportunities. 2. Investor Skepticism: Show how the pivot leverages existing assets. 3. Market Perception: Position it as strategic evolution, not retreat. Remember, pivoting isn't admitting failure—it's a proactive step towards success. It's about being agile enough to recognise when your original path isn't working and brave enough to chart a new course. Some of tech's most significant successes are pivot stories. Twitter emerged as a podcasting platform. Instagram started as a check-in app. Your pivot could be the beginning of your success story. Pivoting requires balancing conviction and flexibility. It's about holding to your ultimate vision while being adaptable about how you get there. Have you faced a pivot in your startup journey? How did you navigate it? Share below! #StartupPivot #EntrepreneurialAgility #StartupStrategy #BusinessAdaptability

5

2 years ago this exact day, we were just starting our Y Combinator batch. We were pumped, galvanised by the thought of becoming the next Brian Chesky, Drew Houston, or Tony Xu. Here’s the advice I wish I’d given our younger selves when we were just starting out: 1/ It will take longer than you think. Way longer. During our batch, we sat into talks where YC alums were making sure their companies had 7-8 years of runway. We thought they were crazy, but now we understand why. Everyone knows how hard it is to get to Product Market Fit, but the thing is, you’d have to do it over and over again to continue growing despite the competition. Heck, even when you’re seemingly ahead of any competition and preparing for an IPO (Airbnb), there’s still the chance of a Black Swan event (Covid) that could destroy everything that you spent the last decade building. To my younger self: Be prepared to spend decades of your life solving the problems you set out to solve. If you succeed in building a billion dollar company in 7-10 years, great! But if you end up taking 20-30 years, that’s ok too! Just keep moving fast, and don’t ever give up. 2/ Sacrifice. Tons of it. Building a start-up is like raising a baby. We will lose friendships, we will have regrets, we will suffer mentally, physically, and emotionally. Old friends will look at us differently, and when we have problems in our personal lives, we might only have the time and energy to solve them temporarily. I honestly wish I was more prepared for a life like that. To my younger self: Relentlessly prioritise the few people in life that matter, people whom you are willing to make big sacrifices for. Once you identify them, make sure to invest fully into those relationships whenever you can. Don’t wait till tomorrow, because you’ll never know if tomorrow ends up being too late. 3/ Invest in co-founder relationships. Since our batch ended, many of our batch-mates got caught in unfortunate co-founder break-ups that brought them to their lowest points. We talked to a few of them to provide support, but can’t imagine having to go through that ourselves. I’m super thankful to have an amazing co-founder in Arvind Ramesh by my side going through all the ups and downs, as we continue trying to do possibly the hardest thing we’d ever do in our lives. To my younger self: No matter how busy you are, always remember to invest time, energy and effort into co-founder and team relationships. Even 5-minute conversations learning about each others’ personal lives will go a long way in building the trust and understanding you need to eventually succeed. Always treat your co-founder relationship like a precious plant that needs watering. It could still die even if it was once healthy. To all of you founders who are still on the hunt for Product Market Fit, keep going! There’s thousands of us facing the exact same struggles every single day. As lonely as it might feel, you are not alone - we are all in this together. 💪

58

9 Comments

It's incredibe how many aspiring founders shy away from pursuing ideas because they fear competition from large enterprises already in the space or worry they may might step in once a startup gains traction. However, having observed how big enterprises operate, it’s clear that most are fundamentally anti-innovation. Here's why: Misaligned Incentives: Employees often lack personal stakes in a product's success. If a key team member leaves, the entire initiative may falter. Bureaucracy and Slow Approvals: Layers of hierarchy and endless approvals not only slow progress but also demotivate teams. Comfort Over Urgency: With steady paychecks, there’s rarely a "do or die" mindset driving employees to take bold risks or innovate aggressively. Politics and Insecurity: Internal politics and individual insecurities can stifle creativity, sometimes deliberately, making it harder for disruptive ideas to flourish. Yet, despite these inefficiencies, enterprises will leverage their resources to protect their existing market share in the space they are operating in at all costs. If you have an idea worth pursuing, don’t let the fear of enterprises deter you. These organizations are like elephants—massive and powerful, but slow to change direction.

14