Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 6, 2021

This business suffers from what Paul Graham calls the ‘chicken and the egg problem‘ – no one wants to use a dating site with only a few users. So sites have to invest heavily in viral marketing to achieve critical mass, which competes with current social networks, while users expect to join both for free. Social networks.

Intellectual Property 337

Intellectual Property Social Network Matching Viral 337

David Teten

DECEMBER 3, 2019

This is a great example of why data businesses have substantial moats. Boardex and Relationship Science make it easier to understand and map social networks into potential limited partners. The self-assessment methodology, pioneered by Village Capital, is called VIRAL, for “Venture Investment Readiness and Awareness Levels.” .

Technical Review 78

Technical Review Software Review Analytics Private Equity 78

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 2, 2013

This business suffers from what Paul Graham calls the ‘chicken and the egg problem‘ – no one wants to use a dating site with only a few users. So sites have to invest heavily in viral marketing to achieve critical mass, which competes with current social networks, while users expect to join both for free. Social networks.

Intellectual Property 215

Intellectual Property Social Network Matching Viral 215

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 26, 2011

This business suffers from what Paul Graham calls the ‘chicken and the egg problem‘ – no one wants to use a dating site with only a few users. So sites have to invest heavily in viral marketing to achieve critical mass, which competes with current social networks, while users expect to join both for free. Social networks.

Intellectual Property 229

Intellectual Property Social Network Matching Viral 229

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 25, 2010

So please don’t send me any more business plans along these lines, looking for investor funding, with no marketing budget, and promising huge returns. This business suffers from what Paul Graham calls the ‘chicken and the egg problem‘ – no one wants to use a dating site with only a few users. Intellectual property is tough.

Intellectual Property 124

Intellectual Property Social Network Matching Viral 124

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 2, 2013

I’ve written about these before, but since I see them so often, I thought it might be worth reiterating: “Business plans are for dummies.” Some startups think business plans are only for investors. In reality, you should do a business plan primarily for yourself, as it forces you to think through all the elements.

Sweat Equity 277

Sweat Equity Intellectual Property Entrepreneur Viral 277

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 24, 2012

It’s always painful when a startup fails, but as a mentor to founders I would hope that you can learn from these failings and not stumble on the same issues: “Business plans are for dummies.” Some startups think business plans are only for investors. If we build it, they will come.” More features than anyone.”

Sweat Equity 238

Sweat Equity Intellectual Property Startup Viral 238