If you are an entrepreneur, why?I want to invent something cool.
Stripe, Airbnb, OpenTable, Yelp!, Mindbody
Early in my career, I worked as an investor. I was inspired to build a company after volunteering at Minds Matter San Francisco on its executive team, and I realized how much fun it was to collaborate with others to build a startup organization.
Most rewarding is working with talented, mission-driven people to achieve our vision. Specific examples include that feeling when a *really* big client or investor win comes your way (like when we got into Y Combinator), and you know that your company’s trajectory has been changed for the better.
I personally don’t find startup life frustrating. I think it is fun!
Give up instead of evolving. Almost every iconic company pivoted, or at the minimum, evolved its way to success. Airbnb, Uber, Paypal, and many others became much more than what was originally envisioned.
1) Hold strong opinions that you look forward to changing with data.
2) Cash is oxygen. Do not allow yourself to run out.
3) The early team defines the later team. Be selective and consistent across values and talent.
