Issue 64

Hello founders,

This week's issue contains reads on language, validation, and the decline of a startup city. Further, also read about why you should(n't) quit your dream job, and how Uber uses money as a weapon.

Wishing you a great weekend,

Larry, Raymond, Simone & Leon

Must read

Communicating globally — their English isn’t your English.

Past Thursday I was asked to give one practical tip to improve the European startup eco system, I said that we should all embrace English.

The thing is that I know founders across Europe, and I know they do cool things, but whenever I see their Facebook posts and events fly by, it is in their native language, and I realised I didn't bother to read any of it.

At the same time I saw Pieter Levels go into it on Twitter, and found this piece written by Salim Virani.

Adopting English as a common language will help strengthening the global startup ecosystem, but doing so is not without challenges.

Culture

Why Quitting Your Job to Chase Your Dream Is a Terrible Idea

"I had no Jerry Maguire moment, no dramatic declaration to the world that changed everything."

Modern Entrepreneurship

Don't worry, I 'validated' it

Founders believe validation is the end goal, but it actually is about (validated) learnings. Saying you validated 'it' is an indicator that you do not know what you are doing, and are actually wasting time, which is the opposite of Lean Startup's goal.