Exponentially

Exponentially is a Substack focused on providing actionable insights for startups, covering a broad spectrum of topics important for raising capital, developing products, and achieving growth. It offers advice on refining ideas, managing startups, understanding investor perspectives, and navigating the complexities of product-market fit and fundraising.

Startup Management Fundraising Strategies Product Development Investor Relations Market Strategy Leadership and Management Styles Company Culture and Innovation Equity and Cap Table Management Co-founder Dynamics

The hottest Substack posts of Exponentially

And their main takeaways

Are startup accelerators worth it?

28 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23

Consider the equity you're giving up when joining an accelerator.
Think about the type of experience you want: hands-on or more specialized.
Evaluate the mentors at the accelerator, as they can be crucial for your success.

What should you build?

69 HN points • 10 Jun 23

💼 Business Startup Product Competition Entrepreneurship

Building a startup idea can be challenging
Ensure there is a need for your product
Focus on creating something people want

Did Airbnb kill the PM role?

49 HN points • 10 Jul 23

💼 Business Management Product Marketing Design Startups

Airbnb did not get rid of product managers but redefined their roles
Designers at Airbnb are being elevated and empowered in the product process
Product management at Airbnb combines marketing, emphasizing communication skills

‘It is always Day 1’: The innovation culture at Amazon

28 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23

💼 Business Innovation Culture Decision-making

The 'Day 1' mentality at Amazon means treating every day as a new startup day.
Customer satisfaction and innovation are crucial for success.
Maintain a long-term focus over short-term gains.

Lessons from the fastest growing consumer product ever

3 HN points • 17 Jul 23

💼 Business Startup Product Management Distribution Product Development

Timing is critical for entering a market.
Distribution is crucial for product success.
Don't wait for perfect, launch and iterate.

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Why market size is critical for your VC pitch

3 HN points • 26 Jun 23

💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Startups Funding Pitching

Understanding how VCs think about markets is crucial for funding success.
VCs aim to invest in companies with the potential to return the entire fund.
Start by showing the potential to grow big in the future, even if you start small.

Why your management style is backwards (and what to do instead)

2 HN points • 31 Jul 23

💼 Business Management Relationships Feedback Trust Results

Results are achieved through holding people accountable.
Building trust through candid conversations is key in professional relationships.
Starting with generosity can lead to better accountability and results.

Lessons on fundraising from Marc Andreessen, Ron Conway, and Parker Conrad

1 HN point • 07 Aug 23

💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Fundraising Investors Entrepreneurship

Only a tiny percentage of U.S. companies raise capital from VCs
Global venture funding is decreasing, making it harder for startups to raise money
Top VCs look for strength over weaknesses, clear one-sentence product description, potential for massive company growth, and a plan for profitability

When to start your first fundraise?

1 HN point • 03 Jul 23

💼 Business Finance Startups Investment Entrepreneurship Funding

Consider raising funds early to cover personal expenses, but it can distract from building the company.
Wait to raise funds until you have made progress to get better terms from investors.
Alternatives to traditional fundraising include joining an accelerator, or taking the 'indie hacker' approach by focusing on revenue.

On finding a cofounder

1 HN point • 20 May 23

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Partnerships Equity Agreements

Choosing the right cofounder is crucial for the success of your company.
Look for someone with a compatible personality and a long-term mindset.
Consider splitting equity equally, create a cofounder agreement, and focus on long-term goals.

Rookie mistakes that will spook investors

0 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23

💼 Business Startups Investing Entrepreneurship Funding Management

Don't outsource core tech in a tech startup.
Understand how your startup differs from competitors.
Know key numbers about your business inside out.

Cap table mistakes that could kill your fundraise

0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23

💼 Business Startups Investing Management Entrepreneurship Legal

Cap tables are crucial for knowing who owns your company.
Avoid unequal founder equity splits to appeal to investors.
Limit the number of small investors to maintain control over equity.

So you want to start an AI startup?

0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23

🕹 Technology AI Startups Platforms Competitive Landscape

VC funding for AI startups has been enthusiastic, with venture funding doubling in 2023.
Building on top of OpenAI comes with platform risk, as they could replicate your features and create competition.
To succeed in the competitive AI landscape, focus on differentiation from competitors and building a moat for protection.

How to write a great investor update (+templates)

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23

💼 Business Investing Startup Communication Metrics Templates

Investor updates are crucial for maintaining relationships with investors and can help with future fundraising.
Investors can provide more than just money, they may offer advice, connections, and support.
Effective investor updates should include key financial metrics, highlights, challenges, plans, and be consistent in frequency.

When to pivot?

0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startup Pivoting Decision-making Success

Pivoting can be necessary for success in a startup.
Signs that you may need to pivot include low morale, running out of ideas, stagnant metrics, and realizing you're not the right fit for the idea.
Don't wait too long to pivot, track metrics, and adapt for more success opportunities.

How to run a tight fundraising process

0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23

💼 Business Fundraising Investors Strategy Entrepreneurship Startup

Running a tight fundraising process involves approaching investors strategically.
Create urgency in fundraising to force investors to commit.
Use a written handshake protocol to secure investor commitments.

What you need to know about the YC SAFE

0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23

💼 Business Startup funding Investing Entrepreneurship Small business

The YC SAFE made fundraising easier for early stage startups.
Using the YC SAFE avoids the complications of convertible notes.
When using the YC SAFE, focus on setting the investor's amount and the valuation cap.

A repeatable strategy to get to product-market fit

0 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23

💼 Business Startup Strategies

Product market fit is a feeling that things are going almost too fast, like running downhill as a kid.
To reach product market fit, use the evolution model with variation, selection, and time.
Increase variation by talking to customers, shipping smaller MVPs, and iterating on copy, not code.