SXSW anyone?
This week's Curated contains articles on gradients, learning, cold emailing to VCs, and investor updates. One of the posts wants you to think about paying yourself a salary because not paying yourself means your company is a hobby.
Heading to SXSW? If you are, we want you to join us! We're going to co-curate the best agenda, and make sure you get to meet with great people. Hit reply for an invite, or join us on Startup Chat in the SXSW channel! We already have some great SXSW secrets for you, maybe you have some to share with other founders?
All the best,
Culture
Don't quit your day job yet: how to lay the foundation for a successful startup
"Pursue ideas that genuinely excite you. Trust your instincts. Learn how to become an entrepreneur by playing with side projects in a safe, low-pressure environment."
The things I’ve wasted money on in my startup and what I learned from them
"... making good judgements about what to spend limited startup funds on and getting the balance of investment to return can be tricky."
Modern Entrepreneurship
How much should you pay yourself as an entrepreneur?
A simple reminder: if your business doesn't make a profit, it's a hobby. So, do put yourself on the payroll.
Want to read more? Check out this article on why profit, not funding, defines a company.
How to write better cold emails to VCs
"Cold emailing a VC is a similarly low-percentage play, and many of the best VCs in the world advise against the practice. Still, it does work from time to time."
Forget the elevator pitch. Here's why every startup needs a teaser instead
Elevator pitches are so 2017, according to this article. Instead, create a teaser: a one-pager that outlines your product's target market and size, and opportunities for investors.
Trends
State of remote work 2018 report: what it’s like to be a remote worker in 2018
A new report on the state of remote work prepared by Buffer, Workfrom and Hubstaff.
Design
Why gradients are back to rule in 2018?
Is 2018 the year of gradient 2.0? An ode to gradients; colors that didn't exist before your mixed them.
Team
Why this CEO started a secret company to compete with his existing one
Stealth mode to the max, but it did help this company to keep innovation thriving.
Finance
Demystifying the six documents you will see when raising venture capital
A brief look at the documents you encounter in a venture funding round, like a term sheet or a voting agreement.
Why you need to send that monthly update and keep an honest communication with your investors
Although they might be somewhat of a drag, updates are key in the relationship with your investor (or a crowd of investors), and for the progress of your startup.
Thank you
Thank you for reading Startup Curated, and special thanks go out to Vartika from the BFF app, and Alessandro from Difitek for curating!
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