TLDR FOUNDERS 2024-05-17

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THE BUSINESS CASE FOR LONGEVITY

Extending human health and life span has the potential to significantly increase returns across many industries by keeping customers alive and healthy for longer periods. Investing in longevity research and treatments could not only save trillions in healthcare costs but also create immense economic value by expanding future markets in various sectors such as education, travel, health, and entertainment.

SHIFTING POWER DYNAMICS IN THE AI-FOCUSED CLOUD

The AI-driven cloud landscape is undergoing significant changes, with NVIDIA emerging as a key player alongside AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Startups are finding opportunities by partnering with these giants, particularly in areas like infrastructure, tooling, and application layers, while focusing on vertical and horizontal applications, security, code generation, and robotics. The changing dynamics indicate that startups should strategically position themselves higher in the AI stack to create lasting value and take advantage of the resources and partnerships provided by major cloud providers.

VERCEL RAISES $250M IN SERIES E ROUND AT $3.25B VALUATION

Vercel, a software startup, has raised $250 million at a $3.25 billion valuation to further develop its cloud-based web application platform. The company plans to use the funds to build out its v0 product, which utilizes generative AI to create personalized websites from text descriptions and enhance its security offerings.

HOW ATTIO GROWS: THE PLAYBOOK FOR DISRUPTING A $280B GIANT

Attio is a powerful and flexible CRM platform that aims to challenge Salesforce by providing an intuitive user experience and a robust data model. By focusing on product-led growth strategies and leveraging flywheels like multiplayer collaboration, billboarding, and community-generated content, Attio is well-positioned to carve out a valuable slice of the CRM market.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR APP A HABIT

The more attention of a user you can acquire, the more value you can extract. Tools like push notifications and email can help maintain visibility and relevance. However, you will never truly retain someone's engagement unless you make using your product a part of their daily routine. This is an excerpt from an interview with Lenny Rachitsky, the author and creator of Lenny's Newsletter and former Product Lead at Airbnb, where he discusses how to make the use of your app a habit for users.

BLINDED BY METRICS

Financial metrics can be easily misused or misunderstood, leading to dangerous consequences for companies and investors. It's crucial for leaders and investors to truly grasp the meaning behind these metrics and how they should guide decision-making, as relying on misleading metrics can conceal problems that require immediate attention and resolution.

RAINCHECK

Turn customer reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, and Facebook into valuable insights and increase sales.

AI AT WORK (REPORT)

2024 annual report from Microsoft and LinkedIn on work trends.

GLITTER AI

Turn any process into a step-by-step guide.

DOES EMAIL RESPONSIVENESS CORRELATE WITH FOUNDER SUCCESS?

Eric Schmidt, Sam Altman, and Jason Lemkin all have something in common: they believe that the best founders respond to important emails quickly, no matter what. They even have data to prove it. But why is that? Well, they argue that building startups involves making a series of rapid decisions. The faster you make decisions, the more useful data you accumulate, giving you something to react to and ultimately leading to better decision-making.

DELEGATING IS EASIER WHEN YOU GET BETTER AT EXPLAINING YOUR IDEAS

Effective communication in project management involves covering five key areas: ensuring understanding, generating enthusiasm, mitigating risks, confirming alignment, and establishing a feedback loop. By addressing these aspects, managers can set their team members up for success, foster a collaborative environment, and ultimately achieve better project outcomes.

THE MYTH OF BEING "SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS"

We've all felt like the smartest person in the room, surrounded by idiots. However, this "critic mindset" isn't a sign of superiority - it's a trap that can lead to misery and destruction. Learn to appreciate the art of enjoyment, even as you hone your critical thinking. Sincere attachment isn't naivete - it's a form of intelligence we desperately need.

IN STARTUPS, YOU NEED WINTER ANIMALS, NOT SUMMER ANIMALS

It's important to build a resilient team of "winter animals" who have the grit and determination to persevere through challenging times, rather than "summer animals" who may jump ship when things get tough.

ARE AI COMPANIES VALUED DIFFERENTLY THAN NON-AI COMPANIES?

While AI companies command a premium, investors still view them as software companies, despite the advanced technology powering their operations.

SALES CYCLES ARE EVEN LONGER IN 2024

Despite some sectors like AI and security performing well, the majority of B2B SaaS companies are still facing challenges and have not yet seen a bounce back to easier times.