1/ DELIVERING ::: SAD NEWS
RIP to the ex-CEO of Zappos. Under Tony’s leadership, Zappos grew gross merchandise sales from $1.6M in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2008 by focusing relentlessly on customer service. As you know, Zappos was eventually acquired by Amazon for $1.2B. Astonishing achievement.
I never met Tony Hsieh but from what I could tell watching his interviews, reading his books, and listening to people speak about him – you CAN BE nice and successful, and that delivering happiness can make us happy. If you’re a first time founder, go buy Delivering Happiness: The Path to Passion, Profits and Purpose.
2/ RESOURCES ::: FOR FOUNDERS
• One-pagers are a crucial part of the fundraising process. It’s what you email to get investors excited to meet with you. Check out ClearPage.io and make yours today and send me a copy when done.
• Investor Updates are another pivotal part of fundraising. Paperstreet.vc makes it super easy to manage this process. Can’t recommend this enough. When you write your first one, include me on your list so I can learn how you’re doing.
• These two and other useful resources will be added to sabakarim.com/resources. Go bookmark.
3/ TALKING ::: TECHSTARS
• I am hosting Inside a Techstars Accelerator on Dec 8th. An exclusive half-day event where you can learn what it’s like to go through Techstars. Last time I held this in May, we had over 800 people attend. You don’t want to miss this.
• We’ve invested in 2334 companies since 2007. That’s an average of 180 per year. Now, with about 45 accelerators scheduled for 2021, we’re gonna do 450 a year. That’s theoretically an investment in a new company every 19 hours. Crazy right? Check out recent investments into Techstars companies - which explains this post here.
• Applying to Techstars - a thread full of tips from yours truly.
• I had a Fireside Chat with David Cohen (Co-founder and Managing Partner at Techstars) on Fundraising. Go watch the replay.
4/ UPCOMING ::: WORKSHOP
Want to learn how to build your brand, pipeline and network online? Register for Retweet, and you’ll get an invite when the date is set.
5/ IN CASE ::: YOU MISSED IT
• Building a startup is easy. Here is “all” you need. Read the debate in the comments too 😂
• The ultimate startup team has just six roles.
• How to launch a startup and MVP’s.
6/ STARTUPS ::: RULE THE WORLD
If you’ve got an online store, go check out Fast. And follow their Domm on Twitter - such a great marketer.
7/ USEFUL ::: LINKS
• Quiet people in meetings are incredible. Read this.
• Being smart is not enough. Read this.
• BTW - I am still podcasting and blogging.
Stay Motivated!