The MBA Is Dead

Today I discuss the 2nd episode of Super Pumped: The Battle For Uber. The show was great fodder for topics such as mental health in the world of startups and the morality of breaking the law when launching a tech company. 

Today I continue to look at Airbnb's original pitch deck for investors, looking at slides that cover topics such as: problem, solution, market validation, market size, and product. I also discuss how much text you should put on your meeting slides versus the one you send out afterward, an important distinction. 

Today I analyse Airbnb's pitch deck. A pitch deck is a power point that entrepreneurs use to get investment in their company. It's more important than a buisness plan. In fact, for startups, the business plan is dead. The pitch deck is what gets you the cash. Let's look at Airbnb's deck from years ago and what we can learn from it. If you google 'Slide Share Airbnb' you should be able to see this power point for yourself.

Today I discuss the first episode of Super Pumped, the Showtime tv show about the taxi app Uber. In particular I discuss how it relates to the dynamics of being a first time founder, including dealing with your first investor and government entities that are trying to shut you down. 

Today I give my 2 cents on the Joe Rogan interview with Venture Capitalist Marc Andreessen. I also digress and give a 3 minute history on the invention of the Internet Web Browser.

Today I discuss briefly what a CRM is and why it's important. As Peter Drucker once said 'You can't improve what you can't measure'. CRMs are at the heart of measuring your fundraising processes, giving you insights on opportunities to gain efficiencies. 

Today I explain how to find anyone's email address. Literally anyone. But please be responsible. With great power comes great responsiblity.

Today I'll explain the difference between a cold email and spam. A very important distinction. I'll also explain how to write a cold email that gives great results and which provides value for both the receiver and the sender. Win / win! 

Today I try out a new format. No frills, no production. Just me and the microphone. I also discuss briefly why sales is important and give a glimpse of the topics of future episodes. 

Today we have on our show Sara Simeone who is the CEO and co-founder of Digital Oracles, a startup that helps guide early-stage entrepreneurs through their journey, getting them to a stage where they are ready to speak with investors. Digital Oracles has raised capital in the form of private investments, but also through EU grants. Sara was also recently rated as one of ‘Top 100 women in blockchain’ by Wirex (October 2020), having produced research on Machine Learning and Blockchain applied to the AdTech industry. Lastly, Sara is a technology industry mentor and strategist, collaborating with the likes of Crypto Valley Labs in Zug and PDC Academy in Milan. Her primary goal there is to help foster the adoption of blockchain technology.