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The Secret History of Minnesota Part 1: Engineering Research Associates

Steve Blank

No Knowledge of Computers Silicon Valley emerged from work in World War II led by Stanford professor Fred Terman developing microwave and electronics for Electronic Warfare systems. Silicon Valley wouldn’t have a computer company until 1966 when Hewlett Packard shipped the HP 2116 minicomputer. Why Minneapolis/St.

Minnesota 281
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Leadership is More Than a Memo

Steve Blank

I just read Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys’ Club of Silicon Valley. While Silicon Valley has grown to have global influence, in many ways the cultural leadership from the venture community has dramatically shrunk in the last decade. Yes, in the dim past of Silicon Valley the execs really wore suits.).

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7 Indications Your New Venture May Not Be Investable

Startup Professionals Musings

Here is my perspective on the highest risk elements, from my years of working with investors and watching startups come and go: All the co-founders are first-time entrepreneurs. On the Internet, I am wary of one more search engine provider, clones of existing social-media sites, and yet another new dating site. If you want U.S.

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How to Configure Your Startup Team

Both Sides of the Table

Quick summary: Be careful not to have too many co-founders. And you need to be careful about giving up control to cofounders as much as VCs. I don’t think VCs care as much about co-founders & economics as people think. PM’s are underrated in Silicon Valley these days.

Cofounder 388
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The Secret History of Silicon Valley Part VI: Every World War II.

Steve Blank

—————- The next piece of the Secret History of Silicon Valley puzzle came together when Tom Byers , Tina Selig and Mark Leslie invited me to teach entrepreneurship in the Stanford Technology Ventures Program ( STVP ) in Stanford’s School of Engineering. . Just a quick history refresher.

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7 Startup Proposals That May Raise Investor Red Flags

Startup Professionals Musings

Here is my perspective on the highest risk elements, from my years of working with investors and watching startups come and go: All the co-founders are first-time entrepreneurs. On the Internet, I am wary of one more search engine provider, clones of existing social-media sites, and yet another new dating site. If you want U.S.

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Ardent War Story 5: The Best Marketers Are Engineers

Steve Blank

Building an Advisory Board In my travels outside the building I kept my eyes out for articulate and visionary scientists and engineers who had expertise we lacked, and were willing to help in an advisory capacity. I chose to hire engineers from within each of our target markets and set up “Steve’s one month MBA course for engineers.”

Engineer 198