This week's Curated is packed! Read about how fear might be motivating, what conventional startup wisdom you shouldn't follow, or how to convince an investor your market is big enough.
We've also included an article that explains why you shouldn't ask for introductions too soon... What's the one thing you would recommend starting founders not to do? Hit reply to share!
Enjoy reading,
Culture
How fear helps (and hurts) entrepreneurs
According to the authors of this piece, fear of failure is "a state rather than a trait". Moreover, fear as an emotional reaction can actually be motivating.
Want to read more about failure? Check out this article on why it's really OK to fail.
The power of no
Saying “no” takes practice, and it may backfire, but it’s the ultimate sign of maturity and freedom.
Modern Entrepreneurship
The difference between innovators and entrepreneurs
Steve Blank on why entrepreneurship is a calling, not a job.
How to prove your market is “big enough” to VCs
This article talks you through countering investors' objections about market size.
3 Ways to make your business development strategy deliver results
The core thing about business development? It's about building relationships, so choose the right means to be creative and meaningful in that process.
Growth
The startup conventional wisdom that isn't so wise
An insightful read on how not to derail when trying to follow the typical startup growth roadmap.
Promoted
Online classes to build your dream career
With over 4 million members and 18,000 classes, Skillshare is basically Netflix for online learning. For just $8.25 per month, you can learn everything from data analytics to email marketing to graphic design. Unlock your creativity, invest in your career, and start learning today. The first 100 Startup Curated readers can get 2 months for just $0.99 by clicking here.
Trends
Venture capital needs to clean house. But the bones are good
"You think “safety” when you think of Volvo. “Family fun and Mickey Mouse” when you think of Disneyland. And now, sadly, many people think “sexual harassment” when they think of venture."
Team
How to avoid big company syndrome?
"But at some point, the startup grows up and becomes vulnerable to Big Company Syndrome."
Something broke when we passed the 100-employee mark
On the importance of 'scaleup communication' when your company transitions from small to large.
Finance
Don't ask me for those intros just yet -- How the pros raise money
Asking too fast for an introduction can be a mistake in the process of fundraising. So, how to do it right?
A family office investment guide: alternatives to venture capital
Could family offices, a wealth management concept wherein high net worth families pool their liquid wealth, be the alternative to venture capital?
What it's like working with Sequoia
We often include articles on fundraising opportunities or strategies. But what can an investor actually do for you? This post offers an insight into the different levels of help they can offer.
Thank you
Thank you for finishing issue #166 & credits
Thank you for reading Startup Curated, and special thanks go out to Raymond from DigiGurus, Ayush from RefR, Vartika from the BFF app, and Alessandro from Difitek for curating!
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