Gust

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10 Key Traits Of An Ideal Entrepreneur Partner

Gust

The feedback was good, but some readers asked me to be a bit more specific on attributes that might indicate an ideal startup partner. In this context, I’m broadening the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” You may be too independent to be partner material. Does not need to be managed.

Partner 179
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The Planned Iteration Startup Launch Minimizes Risk

Gust

All you old software development types will recognize the analogy to the traditional two year “waterfall model” of software development, which has been totally replaced with the Agile iterative methodology. Agile assumes and plans for iterative development, where requirements and solutions evolve as more is known and markets change.

Agile 163
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Investors Do Not Fund Research And Development

Gust

I still get business plans, looking for an investor, that say all too clearly that the primary “use of funds” will be to do research and development (R&D) on some promising new technology, like superconductivity or cancer cures. Technology development. Prototype development. Funding sources are still the same as stage one.

Developer 148
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Digital.NYC: The First Ecosystem Hub

Gust

On October 1st, 2014, after more than two years of partnership and development, Gust proudly joined the Mayor of the City of New York and IBM in announcing the launch of Digital.NYC , NYC’s new official hub for tech and startups. IBM partnered to provide sponsorship and hosting on it’s Bluemix cloud platform.

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A Startup Advisory Board Dream Team is Priceless

Gust

Potential to meet new partners, customers, and friends. To bring real money and credibility to your company, and help you avoid costly mistakes in development and strategy, a first-class Advisory Board is a small investment. Sharing of their experience with next generation of entrepreneurs. Increase in prestige or broadening of resume.

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Entrepreneurs: Don’t Quit Your Real Job Too Early

Gust

Even if you are not in that category, I recommend the following guidelines, summarized from real experiences of Babak Nivi on Venture Hacks a few years ago: Team with a partner. At some point, you’ll hit a motivation wall, but if you have a partner who is depending on you, you will find a way past that.

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10 C-Level Positions That Are Red Flags For Funding

Gust

It’s your startup, so you can give early partners any title you want, but be aware of potential investor and peer implications. What you really need is a VP of Marketing and Customer Development, who can help with lead generation and honing the message, rather than an executive to manage a sales team and existing customers.

CTO Hire 171