In the early days of building a startup, it’s easy to get stuck talking to people who’ll say your idea is “cool” — but that’s not the same as customer feedback.

In this episode of the TxO Startup Hotline series, Kofi Ampadu, partner at a16z and head of TxO, breaks down a practical, no-frills approach to getting real input from potential customers. Learn how to identify who your customer actually is, how to connect with them (without overthinking it), and what to listen for to know if they care enough to pay.

If you’re stuck on how to start customer interviews, this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The trap of sharing your idea with the wrong people

01:12 – Why early customer feedback matters

01:35 – Step 1: Identify your ideal customer

01:50 – Step 2: How to actually connect and get feedback

02:22 – Step 3: Make sure they care enough to pay

02:30 – Why behavior > opinions

02:40 – What if the user and the buyer are different?

02:50 – Recap: A simple 3-step plan to talk to your customers

Want your question answered in the series? Call 1-844-DIAL-TXO and leave us a message.

The Talent x Opportunity initiative (TxO) at Andreessen Horowitz supports founders building cultural innovations through funding, training and ongoing mentorship. Learn more about a16z TxO and stay updated:

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