This is a great writeup that tracks pretty much everything I know about successful startups. I started my career doing M&A for mid-sized tech companies (and saw

This is a great writeup that tracks pretty much everything I know about successful startups. I started my career doing M&A for mid-sized tech companies (and saw a lot of varied outcomes), then got technical and have now been a software engineer for several startups, two of my own. You've got to manage your time exceedingly carefully when all that matters to 95% of people is your growth trajectory. Most potential customers and partners are nothing more than leeches; always identify and go after the low-hanging fruit; never listen to people that want you to burn like crazy to accomplish something crazy. He's right that companies are bought, not sold -- my old boss used to say "run your company like you're going to own it forever, or else you will." Above all, be honest with yourself about all aspects of your business, product, and team.