Things I’d do again
Bootstrap to a MSP then raise a round as soon as you achieve product market fit
Recognize people for their achievements in front of the whole company on a regular basis
Solve a problem you’ve personally experienced and that you could work on for the next 7–10 years
Create a culture that’s different, unique and feels like the founder(s) of the company
Constantly ask yourself “who is the BEST person in the world to help me solve X?” and reach out to ask for help — know you can’t fix everything on your own
Negotiate hard on valuation to keep as much equity as possible, all the time — give way on terms before equity
Early on, raise money from investors who have “been there, done that” — don’t take money from “spreadsheet VCs” because they only understand numbers
Hire the best people, regardless of where they are and incentivize them heavily with equity