Comments on: 5 things I “knew” (or should have known) before starting a company, but didn't fully understand until now

By: Rich Aberman

Rich Aberman — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:08:29 +0000

For the most part, I agree. It’s definitely not impossible. My insights are obviously shaped by my experiences, and we were also raising money in a pretty crappy economy with no product and no revenue (at the time). Thanks for reading!

By: Rich Aberman

Rich Aberman — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:06:49 +0000

Could not agree more. Thanks Dharmesh!

By: Roy Rodenstein

Roy Rodenstein — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:58:01 +0000

Hi Rich,

Great post, and good analogy about how it feels to really experience these “punches by the champ”

Agree with all, except for #4… many people have a hard time in Boston and NY but I’ve personally funded several Boston companies -and I’m a tiny angel- and have helped others get VC. It’s definitely way harder than in SF, though, and varies a lot with the times, though.

Of your points I think the one that is still most mysterious to first-time founders is Traction. I should probably do a blog post on that…

By: Dharmesh Shah

Dharmesh Shah — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Great article.

I’m not big on the boxing metaphor. But, I’d argue that if you need to be arrogant and naive to get in the ring — you need to be self-aware to really succeed. Clearly, you need to survive that first match. But long-term, you have to do much more to “win” than simply survive that first match. You have to keep getting into the ring, keep getting better and win a few rounds.

By: david knies

david knies — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:24:38 +0000

phenomenal insight. you sum it up perfectly. keep up the great work!

By: Effective blog promotion for startups: examples from SeatGeek, WePay, and Bazaarvoice

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:32:28 +0000

[...] “Paul Graham says that good startup founders can be described in two words: relentlessly resourceful. I agree, but I would add two words of my own: arrogant and naive. Arrogant enough to get in the ring, and naive enough that you still think you will win after you feel the first punch.” – Rich Aberman from “5 things I ‘knew’ (or should have known) before starting a company, but didn’t fully understan…” [...]

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:13:49 +0000

I believe I just have been told about this issue
at pub 2 days ago by a mate, but at that time
it didn’t caugh my attention.

By: nick jordan

nick jordan — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:11:36 +0000

>Some social networks recruited celebrity early-adopters that brought their followers along with them.

Can you be more specific? This is one way I was planning on acquiring users and any info would be much appreciated.

By: bits and pieces » Blog Archive » 5 things about startups

bits and pieces » Blog Archive » 5 things about startups — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:28:26 +0000

[...] 5 things I knew about startups but didn’t fully understand until now [...]

By: EverydayUX morsels (April 3rd – April 9th)

EverydayUX morsels (April 3rd – April 9th) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:03:32 +0000

[...] 5 things I “knew” (or should have known) before starting a company, but didn’t ful…Excellent post. [...]