We have a packed issue lined up for you! Including Steve Blank on entering regulated markets, a profile of the Mailchimp CEOs, and why you shouldn't pretend to be the next "Uber" of something. There's also a Progress Report on Firmhouse Venture Lab, and their last call to apply. And we have an article on momentum: what are your tips for gaining and maintaining momentum? Hit reply to share!
Enjoy reading,
Must read
What startups need to know about regulated markets
Steve Blank offers all you need to know if your startup is entering a regulated market because they have different rules and players than regular b2b- or b2c-markets.
Culture
The new Atlanta billionaires behind an unlikely tech unicorn
"Forgotten there for a year, the paper assessed how much a top private equity firm in New York thought his company was worth: $2 billion." -- Bootstrapping can get you places: a profile of Mailchimp's CEOs.
Momentum, how to get it and how to keep it
On why gaining momentum is about self-discipline and success.
Pivots to a meaningful life: how habits and uncertainty revealed my entrepreneurial calling
"Before my calling hit me on that cold November day, I felt fear that I’d create something new, put my name on it and announce it to the world, only to see it fail."
Modern Entrepreneurship
Please don't be "the Uber" of anything
An insight into how to best position your product, and try to take it beyond reimagining what is already out there.
The complications of oversimplifying Lean Startup
"No one seriously considers launching a business — or reigniting innovation in an aging one — to be a simple process."
My biggest lesson as an entrepreneur came from entering a market I didn't know existed
What do you know about markets outside the US or Europe? They can help you to tap into new potential and new opportunities.
Growth
How I've attracted the first 500 paid users for my SaaS that costs $5/mo
A long-read on strategy, what to do to run your SaaS, and why to ignore your competitors.
Medium-member? We also recommend this post on counterintuitive rules for growing your business.
Promoted
Progress report on Firmhouse Venture Lab
Firmhouse Venture Lab offers you the space, expertise and opportunity to meet skilled entrepreneurs like yourself who are all looking for a co-founder. We invest 50.000 Euro in two startups that emerge from the program. Applications close October 31st. Join the selection weekend in Rotterdam on November 2-4, apply now.
Trends
Fintech making inroads, but U.S. bank revenues little changed: report
According to the author, fintech companies have only captured a fragment in banking revenues in the US, while in the UK they're on the rise. How come?
Team
Do you really need a co-founder for your startup?
"Let’s give co-founders the benefit of the doubt — innocent ’til found guilty, right?"
Finance
Are you ready to raise money? How to tell
Raising money will change your company. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and help you through.
The story of raising Proposify’s 8-figure series A funding
"... We used to be hesitant about raising money, but this time we were all in. Here is the full story with all the juicy bits included."
The one step that could make or break ambitious startups
On how and why crowdfunding can be important for your startup.
Thank you
Thank you for finishing issue #194 & credits
Thank you for reading Startup Curated, and special thanks go out to Raymond from DigiGurus, 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!