Tech Ramblings

Tech Ramblings explores the challenges and insights of building and managing startups. It emphasizes the importance of aligning personal goals with business objectives, maintaining a clear vision, learning from failures, and making pragmatic decisions without getting distracted by trends. Key themes include leadership, communication, and practical software development strategies.

Startup Management Leadership Personal Development Communication Software Development Strategic Decision-Making Work-Life Balance Investment

The hottest Substack posts of Tech Ramblings

And their main takeaways

3 Products That Influenced Me

19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Product Design Innovation Software Development User Experience Tech industry
  1. The iPhone changed how we think about technology. It shows that controlling both hardware and software can lead to incredible innovation.
  2. Tesla focuses on making things simple and helps users learn through experiences. This approach makes the product easier to use and reduces complexity.
  3. Amazon Web Services made it quick and easy to start an online business. It built a strong foundation by allowing teams to create interconnected services, speeding up product development.

Don't be an asshole

39 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Soft skills Personal Growth
  1. Being a good software engineer is not just about coding. It's also important to have writing and social skills.
  2. Most project failures happen due to human issues, not technical ones. Understanding people and reducing conflicts is key to project success.
  3. Having empathy, showing respect, and evaluating ideas fairly are important for teamwork. Treat others well and focus on solving business problems.

in-office work > remote work

19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Career development Team Collaboration Productivity
  1. In-person work helps teams connect better and communicate more effectively. Many important interactions happen non-verbally, which can be lost in remote settings.
  2. Working in an office allows for quick collaboration and faster problem solving. Teams can discuss ideas and make decisions on the spot, speeding up project timelines.
  3. Remote work may suit experienced professionals or those prioritizing personal life. However, junior developers may benefit more from in-office environments to grow their careers.

Why I fell in love with Go

39 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Tech Trends Startups
  1. Learning Scala was challenging, and it took a long time for new hires to get comfortable with the language. This made it hard to maintain projects and hire developers.
  2. Switching to Go allowed for faster operational readiness and simpler code, making it easier to deliver products and focus on customer needs.
  3. Go may not be seen as a 'cool' language, but it's practical and widely understood, making it a better choice for most developers compared to niche languages.

Build Software Like a Home

39 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development System Design Architecture Project management Engineering Practices
  1. Designing software is like laying the foundation of a house. A good structure makes it easier to build and change things later.
  2. Planning your work is crucial. Just like you wouldn't install plumbing before your walls are up, you shouldn't write code before having a solid plan.
  3. Create a clear process to develop your software. Start with architecture, build the basics, and then refine. This helps you deliver updates quickly and efficiently.
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The Over-Engineering Trap

39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Engineering Practices Cost management Product Design Systems Architecture
  1. Simplicity and maintainability are more important than performance and complexity in software design. Focus on creating code that's easy for others to understand and work with.
  2. Avoid over-complicated platforms like microservices, especially if your application doesn't need them. Start with basic tools and scale only when necessary.
  3. Your goal as a software engineer should be to deliver a product that customers can use easily. Keeping things simple helps with maintenance and helps new team members get up to speed faster.

Grow Your Software Engineer Career

19 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Tech industry Education Communication Skills
  1. Many young software engineers make common mistakes that can hold back their careers. It’s important to recognize these traps early on.
  2. Good communication skills are essential for solving problems and sharing ideas effectively. Learning to articulate your thoughts can make a big difference.
  3. Experience in different domains, like academia and tech companies, can provide valuable insights. Be open to learning from various industries to grow your career.

On Compromise

79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Negotiation Personal Growth Team Dynamics Self-help
  1. Compromise often leads to disappointment for both sides. Rather than making everyone happy, it can result in a solution that satisfies no one.
  2. Successful teams and individuals stick to their core beliefs and values instead of compromising. Great achievements come from having a clear vision and following it without settling for less.
  3. Instead of focusing on compromise, we should aim to find the truth. Understanding different perspectives can help us make better decisions and avoid mediocrity.

Why I love marketing

19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Consumer behavior Digital marketing
  1. Marketing is much more than just advertising; it's everything a company does to connect with its customers. This includes building websites, social media, and promotional campaigns.
  2. Great marketing focuses on a company's values and what they mean to customers, rather than just the products. Successful ads often connect with deeper themes like community and enjoyment.
  3. Instead of viewing marketing as a hindrance, see it as a chance to communicate and engage with people. Good marketing can create lasting impressions and loyalty.

Codiga, the beginning

99 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Leadership Innovation Technology
  1. The desire to build a company can drive personal change, even affecting relationships. It's important to align your personal goals with those you care about.
  2. Starting a business is a long process filled with ups and downs. Expect to make mistakes, but also learn from the good decisions you make along the way.
  3. Sharing experiences and learnings from your startup journey can help others succeed. It's valuable to offer advice based on your own challenges and triumphs.

Live your life on your own terms

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Personal Growth Leadership Philosophy
  1. Live your life based on what makes you happy, not what society expects. Success should be determined by your own values, not just money or status.
  2. When building a company, stay true to your vision and don’t let outside pressures change your path. Make decisions based on what you believe is right for your business.
  3. It's important to reject social pressure and focus on what brings you peace. Everyone has a unique way of enjoying life, and that's perfectly okay.

Building Codiga: Choosing Advisors

59 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups Fundraising Entrepreneurship Investment
  1. When choosing advisors for your startup, make sure they can provide real value. Some people only want to collect equity without helping you.
  2. Look for advisors with different perspectives and experience than you. They should challenge your thinking and guide you in important decisions.
  3. Advisors should be motivated to help for the right reasons, not just for money. Choose those who are passionate about your mission and want to support your growth.

Building Codiga: Joining an Accelerator

59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Accelerators Funding
  1. Joining an accelerator can help you learn quickly and meet important people, but be ready to give up some ownership of your company. It's like a startup driving school to avoid crashing and get valuable lessons.
  2. While many resources are now available online for free, accelerators can still provide connections and credibility, especially for new entrepreneurs. Just remember, the support usually ends when the program does.
  3. Getting rejected from an accelerator isn’t the end; it doesn’t mean your idea is bad. Keep trying and consider other ways to grow your business—like bootstrapping or finding partners.

Codiga: How it Ended

39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Acquisitions Product Development Personal Growth
  1. The author reflects on building Codiga, a small company that developed a code analysis product. Initially, they turned down an acquisition offer but later realized it was a good opportunity for both themselves and their team.
  2. Obsession and hard work are key traits for entrepreneurs. Being passionate about your product helps create something unique and successful.
  3. The journey of building a company can come with personal sacrifices. The author learned the importance of maintaining relationships and handling criticism, and ultimately feels proud of their accomplishments.

How do I invest in startups

39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
💼 Business Investing Startups Finance Entrepreneurship Economics
  1. Founders should be experts in their field. It's important that they have deep knowledge and experience to succeed.
  2. Hard work is crucial for startup founders. If they aren't responsive or dedicated, it could be a sign of problems ahead.
  3. Investing in startups with revenue is safer. It helps reduce risks and increases the chances of getting your money back.

Building Codiga: What Tools and Tech Stack for your Startup?

39 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups Tools Tech Management Strategy
  1. Choose user-friendly tools like Google Workspace and Metabase for your startup. They save time and are easy for your team to use.
  2. Avoid trendy or expensive tools that complicate things and come with a steep learning curve. Stick to popular, reliable options that your team can easily adapt to.
  3. Use programming languages and frameworks that many developers know. This helps you find talent faster and keeps your focus on building your product instead of learning new tech.

Thank you, Colorado

59 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Places Relationships Community
  1. The author left California because they felt unsafe and unhappy there. They witnessed many troubling events that made them realize it was time to move.
  2. They chose to move to Colorado and found everything they needed there, like friends and inspiration for their projects. It was a positive change in their life.
  3. Now they're ready to move to New York and start a new chapter but recognize that it won't be the same experience as Colorado. They hope Colorado stays special and doesn't become like California.

The Startup CEO Mindset

59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups Leadership Mindset Management Entrepreneurship
  1. The Stockdale Paradox teaches us to balance hope with reality. It's important to stay realistic about challenges while maintaining confidence in future success.
  2. Startup founders should always face the truth about their situation. Acknowledging difficulties is key to making smart decisions and moving forward.
  3. Optimism is good, but it shouldn't blind you to the hard work needed to succeed. Continuous effort and execution are essential for long-term growth.

Who Killed Twitter 1.0?

39 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Business strategy Tech Culture Digital marketing Leadership
  1. Twitter struggled to grow because of poor leadership and weak management. Instead of making smart business decisions, they ended up being an easy target for a takeover.
  2. The company failed to innovate and improve, leading to stagnant stock prices. While other tech companies thrived, Twitter's management kept hiring without making meaningful changes.
  3. Even after Musk's takeover, Twitter faces challenges because it still hasn't solved its underlying issues. Competing platforms are emerging, creating a real threat to its future.

Your job as a CEO: Communicate a Vision

59 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Marketing Strategy Sustainability
  1. As a CEO, one of your main jobs is to clearly communicate your vision. This helps inspire your team and attract customers who believe in your goals.
  2. A strong vision is important both inside your company and outside. It helps hire committed employees and serves as a marketing tool for your brand.
  3. Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, is a great example of someone who communicates a clear and responsible vision. His focus on sustainability has built a loyal customer base that values the brand's mission.

Look at yourself in the mirror

39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Leadership Success Metrics Feedback
  1. People often show only their strengths and avoid talking about mistakes. It's important to face your failures honestly.
  2. Many founders mistakenly believe their company is doing well without understanding the real numbers. They need to check their reality against actual progress.
  3. Getting honest feedback is key to knowing if you're on the right path. Without it, it's hard to measure how well you're doing.

Founders, what can you learn from the OpenAI debacle?

19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups Corporate Governance Leadership Investment
  1. Make sure your board members really care about the company's success. They should have a stake in it, either by working there or owning shares.
  2. When board members leave, replace them quickly. A shrinking board can lead to risky decisions and power plays.
  3. Don’t fill your board with just 'yes men' or only investors. You need a mix of people who will challenge you and support innovation.

Building Codiga: Resilience

19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups Leadership Entrepreneurship Management Strategy
  1. Facing tough truths is important while keeping hope for success alive. You need both to survive in the startup world.
  2. Starting a business is often harder and longer than many expect. It’s crucial to avoid overconfidence and stay realistic about your journey.
  3. Even with challenges, dedication to improving your product and business model is key. Staying focused and prepared can lead to eventual success.

Three people I admire

39 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Self-Improvement Work Culture Motivation
  1. David Goggins inspires hard work and resilience. He shows that facing fears and not settling for mediocrity is important for success.
  2. Ray Dalio's books offer valuable lessons on building a company and understanding societal changes. His principles on culture and feedback are especially useful for entrepreneurs.
  3. John McWhorter excels in clear and thoughtful debate. He teaches how to focus on ideas rather than personal attacks, making discussions more accessible for everyone.

Only the paranoid survive

19 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
💼 Business Management Strategy Startups Competition Finance
  1. Always be aware of your competition, but don't obsess over them. Check in from time to time to learn and adjust, but your main decisions should come from your own vision.
  2. Prepare for tough times by planning for unexpected challenges. Budget more than you think you'll need and set realistic goals to avoid panic later.
  3. Think ahead about employee turnover and customer commitments. People and situations change often, so it's smart to expect the unexpected and have a plan in place.

Building Codiga: Don’t believe the hype

19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Product Development Technology Trends
  1. It's important to focus on real value for users rather than chasing trends. If your product doesn't help people, it may fail.
  2. Many startups get attention for being trendy, but often they lack substance and can collapse quickly. Investors sometimes get blinded by hype.
  3. Staying true to solid principles and avoiding the latest fads will lead to better, longer-lasting companies. Always ask if what you are offering is truly valuable.

Building Codiga: Building an Iteration Engine

19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Innovation Product Development Market Analysis
  1. Your first idea for a startup is not usually the best one. Many successful companies started with different ideas and adapted over time.
  2. The speed at which you improve and learn from mistakes is crucial. Startups have the advantage of being quick and flexible compared to larger companies.
  3. Creating a culture of constant improvement is key. Regular meetings, tracking data, and listening to user feedback can help you make better products while respecting user privacy.

Building Codiga: Becoming CEO

19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups Leadership Management Entrepreneurship Human Resources
  1. A CEO's main jobs are to communicate a vision, hire and fire the right people, and ensure the company doesn't run out of money. This might sound easy, but many CEOs struggle with these tasks.
  2. It's essential for a CEO to repeatedly share the company's mission and vision. Keeping everyone aligned with the core purpose helps employees feel motivated to work towards common goals.
  3. Hiring well and letting go of employees who aren't a fit is crucial. Quickly addressing performance issues can help maintain a positive culture and keeps the team focused on success.

Who moved your cheese?

39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Personal Growth Philosophy Self-Improvement Life lessons
  1. The book is short and simple but offers deep insights that can change as you grow in life. It's a quick read that can really make you think about your situation.
  2. It teaches that we often blame others for our problems, but we should really look at ourselves first. Taking responsibility is key to finding solutions.
  3. The main message is to stop waiting for others to help and to start taking action yourself. It's up to you to find what makes you happy and fulfilled.

Building Codiga: Fundraising

19 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
💼 Business Fundraising Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Investment
  1. Only raise funds if absolutely necessary. Giving up control to investors can complicate your leadership.
  2. Fundraising requires a lot of effort. Prepare a solid pitch, connect with the right investors, and be persistent in reaching out to many of them.
  3. Choosing the right investors is crucial. Look for those with experience who genuinely care about your success, as they can provide valuable guidance.

Building Codiga: Getting Started

19 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Product Development
  1. Starting your own business is all about execution. It's better to act and make mistakes than to wait and do nothing. Learning from these mistakes quickly is key to moving forward.
  2. Having a clear plan is crucial. Just like you wouldn’t go hiking without a map, you shouldn’t start a business without a plan. This helps you track progress and adjust when needed.
  3. Keep your personal and business lives separate. Set up a dedicated business email and bank account. This will make things easier when it comes to taxes and managing your operations.

Value != Price

19 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
💼 Business Pricing Strategy Luxury goods Consumer behavior Market Valuation
  1. Value and price are not the same. People often pay more for brands or status rather than for actual utility.
  2. It's easy to set prices based on user value for certain products, like software, but it’s trickier for physical goods like cars and clothes.
  3. Luxury products have high prices because of the status they carry, not necessarily because they offer more utility compared to cheaper options.

a good MVP is a scrappy MVP

19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Marketing Product Development Innovation
  1. It's better to launch your product early to get feedback. Waiting too long can mean wasting time and not understanding what people really want.
  2. Your first product doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to show your vision and allow you to listen to customer feedback.
  3. Iterate on your product based on feedback. Keep shipping new versions to get better and connect with what the market wants.

A $113M seed round is a death sentence

19 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
💼 Business Startups Investment Entrepreneurship Finance Technology
  1. A big seed round of $113M can be a problem for a new startup if they don't yet have a product. This huge amount of money can create pressure to perform, making it harder to focus on what really matters.
  2. When a startup gives away nearly half of its company for funding, the founders might lose control over their vision. They could end up following orders from investors instead of pursuing their own ideas.
  3. It's a myth that having a lot of money leads to creativity. Successful companies usually start with a strong idea and a small amount of funding, not a huge pot of cash.

Your husband/wife is the co-founder of your life

19 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Startups Relationships Work-life balance
  1. Your partner plays a crucial role in your life journey, just like a co-founder in a business. They support you and help you make tough decisions.
  2. Having a good partner can make a big difference during challenging times. They can lift your spirits and give you the space to focus on your goals.
  3. Choosing the right person to be by your side is essential. The right partner can encourage you, while the wrong one can hold you back.

Too much money is a problem

19 implied HN points • 28 May 23
💼 Business Startups Fundraising Entrepreneurship Investment Product Development
  1. Having too much money can distract startups from their main goals, like building a great product and serving customers. It often leads to unnecessary spending and shortens focus.
  2. Starting with less money can force a company to be more focused and efficient. It encourages smart spending and careful planning.
  3. While raising money can be helpful for growth, it's important to raise just enough to reach goals without losing control or focus. Too much money can lead to problems.

Who before what

19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
💼 Business Management Leadership Organizational Culture Team Building Strategic Planning
  1. Choosing the right people is crucial for success. Having a strong team matters more than knowing exactly what to do first.
  2. Wells Fargo thrived because they recruited talented leaders who embraced change, while Bank of America struggled with weak leadership.
  3. This 'who before what' principle also applies to personal relationships. Make sure the people you bring into your life add value and support your growth.

Salary of a Early-Stage Startup CEO

19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Finance Management Strategy
  1. When starting a business, pay yourself just enough to live on. This way, you can focus on building the company without financial stress.
  2. Try to keep your living costs low before launching. This can help you manage funds better and prepare for the long journey ahead.
  3. As a startup CEO, it's important not to pay yourself too much. This helps keep resources for growth and shows you value your team's contributions.

Socially Sober

19 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Productivity Social media Mental health Work-life balance Personal Development
  1. Using separate laptops for work and personal use helps keep things organized. It makes it easier to focus on work tasks without distractions from personal accounts.
  2. Taking a break from social media can improve mental clarity and productivity. It allows more time for activities like exercising, spending time with friends, and reading.
  3. Social media can be a waste of time and negatively impact your brain. It's important to recognize its addictive nature and consider cutting back.