Automatter

Automatter is a newsletter focused on the role of automation in the venture capital industry, examining its impact on fund management, investor relations, and operational efficiency. It explores themes of technology adaptation, decentralized organizations, productivity culture, and the strategic use of tools like Zapier and Airtable to enhance processes.

Venture Capital Automation and Process Design Technology in Business Operational Efficiency Decentralized Organizations Productivity Culture Investor Relations Data Management Remote Work Culture Ecosystem Operations

The hottest Substack posts of Automatter

And their main takeaways

“The fetishized life without friction”

393 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
  1. Tech industry focuses on eliminating friction in products and processes for convenience and efficiency.
  2. Frictionlessness has extended to the culture of the tech industry, valuing employees who are perceived as frictionless.
  3. The emphasis on being frictionless can lead to overlooking inefficiencies and operational issues.

Automating the Andreessen Analyst

471 implied HN points • 04 Dec 20
  1. The venture capital industry is exclusive and homogenous, making it difficult for emerging fund managers from underrepresented groups to succeed.
  2. Emerging fund managers face challenges in raising funds and lack resources, but automation can help level the playing field by saving time and improving efficiency.
  3. Automating tasks like deal flow management, company monitoring, and communication can help emerging managers compete with established funds.

The future of VC is decentralized

235 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
  1. VC relationships are driven by numbers like cash and equity.
  2. The traditional Limited Partnership Agreement (LPA) in venture capital dates back centuries.
  3. The VC landscape is evolving towards decentralized models, involving diverse stakeholders and new structures.

The less you own, the less owns you

196 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
  1. The best tool for any task is the one you will stick with
  2. Having too many tools leads to complexity and productivity paralysis
  3. Information silos and systems of record are risks of using multiple tools

"Productivity culture" is a dystopia machine

137 implied HN points • 05 Mar 21
  1. Challenge productivity culture to focus on lifestyle improvement over just cost savings and productivity growth.
  2. Consider tying compensation to metrics beyond short-term profit to ensure automation has a net-positive impact.
  3. Advocate for a realistic option for people to work less and address the diminishing returns and potential dystopian reality of productivity culture.
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Values Are A Company’s Cultural APIs

117 implied HN points • 19 Feb 21
  1. Operations debt can be solved with a clear mission, vision, and values, not just new tools.
  2. Good values are consciously chosen from day one and leaders need to actively promote and incubate them.
  3. Consistent and memorable values act as reliable compasses in navigating uncertainty and guiding decision-making.

Automating Portfolio Company Onboarding

98 implied HN points • 28 May 21
  1. Online Communities can offer insights on virtual onboarding
  2. Learning from Consumer Product Companies is valuable for onboarding
  3. Remote-First Companies provide examples for effective onboarding strategies

The Case Against VC Software

117 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
  1. Beware of VC software making bold claims to do your job better than you can.
  2. API-first tools offer flexibility and dynamic capabilities to meet changing demands.
  3. Tools like Airtable and Zapier allow non-technical employees to test and iterate on new workflows.

The year that everyone became a creator

78 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
  1. 2020 marked the rise of creators across various online platforms.
  2. Creators are diversifying their revenue streams to make a sustainable living.
  3. There is a growing trend of creators venturing into private market investing to monetize their engaged audience.

Personalize the pass

98 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
  1. Investors should pay attention to how they communicate "no" decisions to founders.
  2. Personalized passes may take more time but can help nurture relationships and build trust with founders.
  3. Automation tools can help streamline the process of delivering personalized pass feedback efficiently.

Introducing Automatter Jobs

78 implied HN points • 16 Jul 21
  1. The creation of a community for people interested in venture operations and processes.
  2. The emergence of new roles in venture operations that focus on automation and workflows.
  3. Introduction of Automatter Jobs to connect individuals with venture operations, strategic operations, and investing roles.

Why is everyone talking about DAOs

78 implied HN points • 11 Jun 21
  1. DAOs are decentralized autonomous organizations coordinated through shared blockchain-enforced rules.
  2. Transparency in DAOs is ideal in theory but complicated in practice due to code complexity.
  3. DAOs promise efficiency, oversight, and accessibility in theory, but face challenges like operational barriers and governance struggles in practice.

Scattered thoughts on context switching

78 implied HN points • 04 Jun 21
  1. Professional self-worth tied to productivity can be harmful.
  2. Effort is required in frequent context switching and reorientation.
  3. Complex roles with high context switching can turn into an asset through sinusoidal thinking.

Making Money on Autopilot

78 implied HN points • 07 May 21
  1. Automation can be seen as both disruptive and a perpetuator of the status quo.
  2. The venture capital industry may not benefit equally from automation due to its unique characteristics like Power Law.
  3. Removing friction through automation in VC could potentially widen the wealth gap.

The Emerging Manager Toolbox

98 implied HN points • 18 Dec 20
  1. Emerging fund managers can gain a competitive advantage through strategic process design and automation.
  2. Venture capitalists need to focus more on automating processes in the industry.
  3. The Emerging Manager Toolbox aims to provide resources and tools for automation and strategic process design.

Brain Dump: More Important Things Edition

58 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
  1. Support organizations providing aid to New Orleans, New York, New Jersey, Afghan refugees, Texans, and others affected by recent events.
  2. Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that focus on humanitarian efforts and refugees in your local area.
  3. Advocate for reproductive rights and support organizations providing resources and assistance in the face of challenges to those rights.

Welcome to Automatter!

98 implied HN points • 23 Oct 20
  1. Venture capital and startup investing requires hands-on experience and interaction with founders to improve
  2. Efficient automation and process design can streamline venture capital work and reduce cognitive burdens
  3. Automatter focuses on process automation guides, communication, decision-making, and staying updated on automation developments

It Matters Where You Start

58 implied HN points • 20 Aug 21
  1. It's important to choose the right starting point when learning a new skill for long-term success.
  2. Vertical automation tools may offer better depth for specific workflows compared to general-purpose tools.
  3. General-purpose app builders may struggle to provide the depth and performance needed for more complex applications.

How to unfuck Twitter

78 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
  1. There is a shared dislike for the Twitter DM search function among VC Twitter users.
  2. Twitter has become essential for fundraising and deal flow in the VC community.
  3. Tools and extensions leveraging the Twitter API can help improve user experience and functionality.

What's your stance towards tech?

58 implied HN points • 06 Aug 21
  1. Automatter believes in using technology for a fulfilling life.
  2. There are various perspectives towards technology, from optimism to pessimism.
  3. The Optimistic Critic recognizes the power of technology for good and reminds of responsibilities.

Brain Dump: Hot Jobs and Cool Desks

58 implied HN points • 23 Jul 21
  1. Recent job opportunities include Revenue and Ops Manager at Shoobx, Operations Lead at Cleo Capital, and Founder Success Manager at Visible.
  2. Companies are focusing on reducing friction for employees and increasing efficiency in operations.
  3. SoftBank and Tiger Global are changing the landscape of venture capital investment with their distinct approaches.

Mailstrom

58 implied HN points • 25 Jun 21
  1. The debate about technology in the workplace is ultimately about autonomy and who gets to choose how we work.
  2. Historical stories like the mechanization of the U.S. Postal Service show the impact of technological shifts on labor relations.
  3. There is a growing movement towards reevaluating the traditional workweek structure to prioritize employee health, efficiency, and happiness.

Automating Investor Relations

58 implied HN points • 09 Apr 21
  1. The venture capital industry is growing with new fund managers and more diversity.
  2. Emerging fund managers face challenges in fundraising due to lack of track record and credibility.
  3. Automating investor relations can help emerging managers by streamlining data sharing, portfolio management, and investor updates.

Automating Capital Calls

39 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
  1. Capital calls in venture capital involve transferring committed funds in predetermined chunks over time.
  2. Automating capital calls can streamline the process, making it more efficient and convenient for investors.
  3. Implementing automation in fund management can provide leverage and support innovative investment structures.

Automating Ecosystem Operations

58 implied HN points • 29 Jan 21
  1. Ecosystems are crucial in today's interconnected world, even for individuals who can leverage tools for ecosystem management.
  2. Companies now prioritize ecosystem-building activities, with investors valuing companies that act as 'network orchestrators'.
  3. Effective ecosystem operations (Ecosystem Ops) require strategic relationships, scalable workflows, and enabling partnerships through tools and training.

The API Will Unlock Notion’s True Potential: The End Of Context Switching

58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 21
  1. The Notion API has the potential to eliminate context switching and enhance productivity.
  2. The API will allow for workflow automation, syncing with other tools, and user provisioning.
  3. Integration of the Notion API can lead to improved collaboration, flexibility, and streamlined processes.

Data at your fingertips

58 implied HN points • 13 Nov 20
  1. Data is crucial for venture investing decisions.
  2. Standardized data management and access are key.
  3. Automate data insights and make them available at the right time.

The Zapier Playbook

58 implied HN points • 06 Nov 20
  1. Zapier succeeded by choosing the right timing and market
  2. Simplified their product so non-engineers could automate work
  3. Built a strong remote work culture from the beginning

Automatter Brain Dump: These APIs, Man

39 implied HN points • 21 May 21
  1. The Notion API is in public beta, allowing connections with Automate.io and Zapier.
  2. More funding opportunities are emerging for underrepresented founders.
  3. Twilio acquiring Zipwhip showcases the significance of APIs in company growth.

An Automatter Brain Dump

39 implied HN points • 16 Apr 21
  1. Jobs don't necessarily disappear with automation, they may increase due to automation
  2. Complex legal contracts can result in economic inefficiencies, and simplification is needed
  3. Automation technology may widen the gap between different job levels, leading to potential unemployment and increased demand for training

Coming up: A Fireside Chat with Makerpad's Ben Tossell and Amie Pollack

39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 21
  1. Ben Tossell created Makerpad in 2019 as a platform to build software without code.
  2. Makerpad has grown to 16k subscribers and offers over 250 tutorial videos.
  3. Automatter hosts Fireside Chats with experts on process, automation, and unique implementations.

Announcing: Fireside with Peter Kazanjy

39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
  1. Automatter will host a Fireside Chat with Peter Kazanjy, a sales leader and author, on automation and process design.
  2. Peter Kazanjy has expertise in building scalable processes and systems from leading enterprise sales teams to creating online communities.
  3. Atrium, Pete's current company, focuses on proactive sales performance analysis through data-driven decision making.

How to move Slack Channel IDs across Zaps

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 20
  1. To move Slack channel IDs across Zaps, use Custom Value with channel ID instead of channel name
  2. Slack channels have unique IDs which can be used in automation processes
  3. Add a field in Airtable to store Slack IDs and update it in Zaps to manage channel changes

The Emerging Manager Toolbox is Broken

19 implied HN points • 27 Aug 21
  1. The
  2. VC industry is shifting towards collaboration and real value.
  3. Web3 is seen as a solution to the walled garden approach in venture capital.

Five Questions For Aron Korenblit

19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 21
  1. Aron Korenblit started Automate All The Things to help people work smarter by automating tedious tasks.
  2. Common mistakes in process automation involve forgetting about the human element and struggles with adoption of new tools.
  3. Automation should enhance, not replace, human qualities like empathy and understanding in service or product delivery.

Is Audio The Ultimate No-Code Format?

19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 20
  1. Rhythm games show people can create on audio interfaces
  2. Voice UIs like Alexa tap into users' natural understanding
  3. No-code tools could empower users to create using audio interfaces

Programming note + An exciting announcement!

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 20
  1. Automatter is expanding its community in 2021
  2. Launching a series of Automatter Fireside Chats next year
  3. Hosting small-group chats about process and automation

Recap: An Automatter Fireside Chat with Samir Kaji

0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
  1. Tech companies can now grow much bigger and faster than before.
  2. The growth of venture-backed winners has expanded the LP landscape dramatically.
  3. Venture banks are in the services business and face challenges from tech-enabled competitors.

Working Alone When Deciding As A Team

0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
  1. Venture capital work is often solitary, but decisions must be based on a shared understanding.
  2. Efficient data management is crucial for automation and decision-making.
  3. Balancing individual work with team decision-making requires finding the right processes and communication methods.