This week we've gathered articles for you on insights instead of feedback, the lean startup trap, how to split equity, and why you should spread your chances for a healthy investment portfolio. Also included is a report about a fascinating implementation of blockchain in a refugee camp.
Also, read why there's a small group of investors that wants to 'burn the unicorn'. Do you agree with them? Hit reply to share your thoughts!
Enjoy reading,
Culture
To everyone who asks for 'just a little' of your time: here's what it costs to say yes
"Whatever the least amount possible I can have in my calendar without killing my career — that’s what I want."
You can't be 100% motivated and on fire all the time so stop trying to be
Having low points is part of the norm too: a plea for why you don't need to be motivated all the time.
Modern Entrepreneurship
The ultime guide to YCombinator interview preparation
This founder, who eventually did secure a spot in YCombinator, shares his lessons learned from previous rejections, practice interviews with YC alumni, and reviewing public sources on the matter.
The lean startup trap
"Fail-fast, and fail-cheap, they said. As many have started to notice: in practice, those failures are neither fast, nor cheap." -- So, how to fix that?
Feedback versus insights: a practical example for building a successful MVP
Feedback might come with additional information that is not per se valuable for future goals. This article argues you should focus on insights instead.
Trends
Retail’s adapt-or-die moment: how artificial intelligence is reshaping commerce
An elaborate look at how AI and commerce can influence each other.
Inside the Jordan refugee camp that runs on blockchain
Perhaps it's not the first place where or setting in which you'd expect a blockchain technology to be implemented: humanitarian aid.
Design
Empathy in user research: setting aside your own point of view
How can user researchers access and incorporate empathy into their processes?
Team
How we decided to split equity as co-founders
On how and what to consider when splitting equity as co-founders of a company.
Get more mileage out of your employee referral program
Building a strong team is difficult. This playbook for getting the most out of your employee referral program might help you ease the process.
Finance
Why we burn the unicorn
Burning the unicorn might sound blasphemous in the startup world, but these VCs strive for shining a light on alternative paths to follow.
Innovation accounting and portfolio management
Investing in startups is a betting game. This article introduces you to the ROI calculator and helps you explore how and why "more balls in the machine" works better for a healthy innovation portfolio.
The dilemma of sunk costs in venture capital
"It is human nature to try to salvage an investment of time, money, energy and effort. Avoid the trap."
Thank you
Thank you for finishing issue #168 & 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!
If you value Startup Curated, feel free to forward this copy to your friends to help us grow. Or consider sponsoring, simply reply and we'll talk!