4 ms·

The interview rehashes the founder narrative and nothing on the really interesting things: 1) How were you able to convince Evan Williams to be an adviser init

The interview rehashes the founder narrative and nothing on the really interesting things: 1) How were you able to convince Evan Williams to be an adviser initially? 2) Why was it that you were able to raise 180,000 pounds (about US$240k) but it was a YC seed round that got you to come to Silicon Valley? 3) What were your strategies in wooing the likes of Paul Buchheit and Chris Sacca?

pmjordan 18y ago
I had the exact same thoughts. I also found it interesting that YC even invested in the company at that stage - it wasn't exactly a "seed" round, financially. I guess the existing investors figured (in hindsight: correctly) that YC would boost the company sufficiently to make it worth what I can only assume must have been a lower valuation. 4% at $20k would put the whole company at $500k, and ~$350k had already been invested! (GBP:USD was near 2:1 in 2007 [1]) [1] http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GBPUSD=X&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c= http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GBPUSD=X&t=5y&l=on&#...
babul 18y ago
Why not read their blogs? Chris Sacca writes it in his own words why... http://www.whatisleft.org/lookie_here/2008/03/thanks-to-aucto.html http://www.whatisleft.org/lookie_here/2008/03/thanks-to-auct... ...and elsewhere. Basicially, to me, it reads because they were passionate about what they were doing (passion), would not let anything stop them (ambition), were able to hack/get things done quickly and efficiently and had some great previous accomplishments (talent, focus, customer care), and were smart. So, if you possess these qualities, and have a likable-personality, then chances you could woo the Bucheits and Saccas et al of the world (if that is what you desire). Why not? Otherwise, just get on with building your things, and if it is really something people want, then A) you will get attention this way and B) hopefully make enough cash too to not care about wooing others (maybe I am wrong, but to me it seems people woo only when they want cash/advice/similar rather then pursue friendships because you like each other etc.) :)

pmjordan 18y ago

I had the exact same thoughts. I also found it interesting that YC even invested in the company at that stage - it wasn't exactly a "seed" round, financially. I guess the existing investors figured (in hindsight: correctly) that YC would boost the company sufficiently to make it worth what I can only assume must have been a lower valuation. 4% at $20k would put the whole company at $500k, and ~$350k had already been invested! (GBP:USD was near 2:1 in 2007 [1]) [1] http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GBPUSD=X&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c= http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=GBPUSD=X&t=5y&l=on&#...

babul 18y ago

Why not read their blogs? Chris Sacca writes it in his own words why... http://www.whatisleft.org/lookie_here/2008/03/thanks-to-aucto.html http://www.whatisleft.org/lookie_here/2008/03/thanks-to-auct... ...and elsewhere. Basicially, to me, it reads because they were passionate about what they were doing (passion), would not let anything stop them (ambition), were able to hack/get things done quickly and efficiently and had some great previous accomplishments (talent, focus, customer care), and were smart. So, if you possess these qualities, and have a likable-personality, then chances you could woo the Bucheits and Saccas et al of the world (if that is what you desire). Why not? Otherwise, just get on with building your things, and if it is really something people want, then A) you will get attention this way and B) hopefully make enough cash too to not care about wooing others (maybe I am wrong, but to me it seems people woo only when they want cash/advice/similar rather then pursue friendships because you like each other etc.) :)