Shawn Xu’s Post

Starting a business in your twenties can be deceptively simple. You soon discover, however, that the real trick isn't launching—it's keeping the thing alive, especially when it's your first venture. Growing up with high expectations and little room for error, I was quite unacquainted with failure. I thought it was a good thing and even felt lucky about it. Who could imagine this is the perfect recipe for “How to Become an Insecure Adult Second-Guessing Everything You Do”? 🤦♀️ 😅 For example, thanks to my “decisiveness,” this post took me a week and five drafts to write. Now, apply this to making important business decisions. 👌 Working closely with startups and founders, though, has been incredibly therapeutic. 🧘♀️ Hearing about their struggles and our shared fears is both comforting and helpful. Speaking of helpful resources, I’m thrilled to share that Slightly Perfect is now featured on For Every Founder—a hub designed to assist startup founders in launching and scaling their ventures. 🙏 A huge thank you to Sasha Orloff for including us in this wonderful community of resources. Check it out at ➡ https://lnkd.in/gabyKx-t Need a pitch deck or want to complain about entrepreneurial life?  Feel free to DM me either way! #Entrepreneurship #Startups #PitchDecks #ForEveryFounder

🎥 We released an insightful interview with Unicorn Founder and VC Eugene Malobrodsky on my YouTube channel! (link in Bio ⬆ ) Last week, right after mentoring startups at Stanford University, I had an incredible conversation with Eugene about his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. From immigrating from Lithuania as a teenager to co-founding a startup unicorn, and eventually becoming a seasoned venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, Eugene's story is packed with valuable insights and lessons for any budding entrepreneur. Our 1-hour conversation was so rich with information that I decided to divide it into two parts. The 1st part focuses on Eugene’s experience as a founder, while the second delves into his investing experience and approach. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: - Always be ready to adapt your strategies based on market feedback. - Persistence is key, but so is the ability to pivot when necessary. - Focus on creating products that solve real problems. Validate your ideas in the market and seize opportunities that align with your product’s strengths. - Be open and honest with your team, especially during tough times. This builds trust and can inspire your team to stick with you. - Seek "smart money" – investors who offer more than just funds. Their expertise and networks can significantly benefit your startup. - Prioritize focus in your business strategy. Develop and perfect your core product or service before diversifying. - Be prepared for a challenging fundraising journey. Keep refining your pitch and stay resilient in the face of rejection. - Build a strong network of mentors, peers, and industry connections. These relationships can provide support, advice, and opportunities. For entrepreneurs in the early stages of their journey, these insights can provide a roadmap to navigate the complexities of building a successful startup. 🚀🌟 👉 Don't miss out! Watch the full interview now on Raisable Founders' YouTube Channel (link in my Bio ⬆ ) #Startups #Entrepreneurship #RaisingCapital #ProductMarketFit #SmartMoney #Networking #Persistence #Adaptability #Focus

Meet Sterling Snow, our next RevRoad #LeadershipLegend! With over a decade of experience in the startup world, Sterling Snow is a trailblazer in the startup ecosystem, more specifically in the Silicon Slopes area! He's a huge champion for all great things the State of Utah is doing. From his early days as a Director of Marketing and Sales, to his days at Divvy from BILL to finding, funding, and helping startups at his current position at Pelion Venture Partners, it is clear that he possesses a passion for driving forward-thinking initiatives and propelling businesses towards success. Sterling's dedication, coupled with his deep understanding of the startup world, positions him as a cornerstone figure in the industry. He is not only a catalyst for growth but also a trusted mentor, inspiring countless entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. If you don't follow him on LinkedIn, you should! He shares tremendous insights and wins for the overall #utah startup ecosystem! Colleagues speak of his tireless work ethic, his knack for defining and executing superior processes, and his innate ability to lead by #example. Whether it's being the first in and last out or actively seeking ways to improve every single day, Sterling embodies the spirit of true leadership. Sterling has consistently driven growth and fostered innovation wherever he goes. Leave any stories you may have about Sterling in the comments! #Startup #Fintech #Entrepreneurship #mentor

Here’s another amazing new book coming soon!    Two people whom I admire, Mike Maples, Jr and Peter Ziebelman, have teamed up to write an inspirational book for the new generation of startup founders and investors, 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠. And it is a great companion to my book 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑠𝑒𝑡, as the photograph amply shows!    Mike is a co-founder of Floodgate and a famed investor behind a swarm of unicorns. When Alex Dang and I interviewed him for our book, we could see his eyes light up as he talked about the passion of founders. “They think of nothing else; they are totally crazily devoted to one end goal; they are desperate to solve the pain point of people,” he said. What I remember most vividly from that interview is the plaque hanging in Mike’s office, boldly stating, “Practice reckless optimism.” It was given to him by a founder he backed.     Peter is a co-founder of Palo Alto Venture Partners and served on the boards of dozens of high-tech startup companies. For the past dozen years, he has been teaching very popular classes at Stanford University Graduate School of Business on entrepreneurship and venture capital, inspiring our MBA students and also executive education participants.     One idea underlies the book’s message: breakthrough opportunities are created when “inflection points—events that offer the potential for new empowering capabilities—are harnessed, transforming how people think, work, feel, and act.”     The book is a must for all those who dream of becoming pattern breakers or investing in them.    𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠: 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝑆𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡-𝑈𝑝𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 is already available for pre-order here https://lnkd.in/gtPdhMKw. I have pre-ordered my copy! And it is a great companion to The Venture Mindset https://lnkd.in/gyxAtzrH! #stanford #stanfordgsb #venturecapital #startups #innovation #technology #venturemindset

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗴. But ignoring early agreements magnifies the risk. How to mitigate? Document early and clearly. This is especially relevant when it comes to equity. Ahh, that feeling - we are launching a start-up. How exciting. Let's work really hard; everyone is all in; we'll figure things out later when we get customers, revenue, etc. Right? WRONG. In startups, excitement often overshadows the foundational steps of forming a company. You dive in headfirst, propelled by a blend of ambition and vision, neglecting the critical groundwork that secures our venture's future. The story is all too common: founders neglect to cement their initial agreements, a decision that seems prudent until unpredictability strikes. I've been in one start-up where we didn't discuss things upfront, and then it turned ugly. And it stung. Like... really stung. The problem is that humans often wear rose-colored glasses and feel uncomfortable having tough conversations. We all hope to ride magic unicorns on our way to fairy-tale land. Just not gonna happen (for everyone). The takeaway is simple: Embrace the initial awkwardness of documenting everything. It safeguards your venture's future, ensuring that when paths diverge, the journey forward remains unimpeded. This practice isn't just about avoiding disputes; it's a testament to your commitment to the venture's longevity and success. #startups #entrepreneurship #startupculture #entrepreneurs #equity #success ------- ♻️ Repost to the community if you find it useful 🔔 Follow me (https://lnkd.in/eTt9cwBH) to grow on #LinkedIn

In the exhilarating world of startups, founders embark on a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. 🌟 Initially, the excitement of a new venture propels them forward, but soon they encounter challenges that test their resilience and determination. 💡 The Ups and Downs: From securing that first investor to overcoming unexpected setbacks, each twist and turn teaches invaluable lessons. It's a journey where success and failure dance hand in hand, pushing founders to evolve and innovate. 🔥 Building Immunity: Much like Arjun honing his skills on the battlefield, founders develop a unique immunity to the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. They become adept at navigating challenges, learning to pivot, adapt, and emerge stronger after each setback. 🧘♂️ Distraction-Free Focus: As founders weather the storm, they gain a profound focus on their ultimate goals. The turbulence refines their vision, eliminating distractions and honing their ability to steer the company toward success. 🕊️ The Wisdom of Krishna: In the epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna imparts timeless wisdom to Arjun, guiding him through the chaos of war. Similarly, the challenges faced by startup founders shape their leadership, imparting the wisdom to navigate the business battlefield with strategic clarity. 🚀 Founders, Keep the Faith: To all the startup visionaries, remember that each challenge is a stepping stone toward success. Embrace the journey, for it's in the highs and lows that true resilience is forged. May your startup story echo the triumphs of Arjun, guided by unwavering focus and the wisdom to conquer the entrepreneurial battlefield. 💪🌐 #StartupJourney #entrepreneurialspirit #resilience #focusongoals #founders #business #battlefield #startuplife #startup #sachinconnect #startupmeme

I read the #atomichabits book by #jamesclear three years ago, and I'm currently watching his MasterClass where he brilliantly contrasts systems vs. goals. A profound insight he shared resonated deeply with me, especially reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey. "You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." In the fast-paced world of startups, ambition fuels our every move. Planning exits from day one seems like a natural step. However, the day-to-day reality of being a startup founder has taught me an important lesson - the critical role of establishing processes and systems. When I began my entrepreneurial journey, the emphasis was on setting big goals, envisioning the endpoint. While having clear goals remains crucial, the real magic lies in the daily grind, the systems we put in place that propel us forward inch by inch. It's the routines, habits, and workflows that create a sustainable foundation for growth. In the chaotic world of entrepreneurship, it's easy to get caught up in the glamor of grand objectives. James Clear's wisdom serves as a compass, redirecting focus to the machinery that powers those aspirations—the systems that shape our day-to-day operations. As I navigate the challenges of building a startup, I'm realizing that success is not just about reaching a specific milestone; it's about consistently refining and optimizing the processes that get us there. It's about cultivating a culture of efficiency, adaptability, and continuous improvement. So, to fellow entrepreneurs and startup founders, let's not merely aim for the stars but build the sturdy rocket ships—the systems—that will take us there. The journey is just as significant as the destination, and in mastering our systems, we strengthen the path to sustainable success. #startup #founders #mindset #startuplife #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth

Hear me founders: Don't overlook the #1 startup killer 🤔 Many factors can kill startups. But the #1 killer is lack of focus. In a world of endless opportunities and distractions, scattered attention can be fatal. I believe running a startup is a battle for concentration. Chasing every shiny idea or market dilutes resources. But we fall into spreading ourselves too thin rather than drilling deep. Founders normally get trapped pursuing multiple products rather than perfecting one, and saying 'yes' to every potential client rather than targeting ideal customers. The solution - bias toward selectivity, even if it feels risky. Choose a niche, dominate it, then expand. Optimise for depth through a laser-sharp value proposition. Focus is fuel. Intense dedication to core users outperforms shallow but broad appeal. Narrow down, go deep, build expertise. The power of focus is your winning edge. Forge ahead! 💜✌️ -- If you enjoyed this, follow me for a daily startup lesson. #entrepreneurship #founders #startups

This is going to be a fun LinkedIn LIVE session!!! I had the privilege of hanging out with Katie Dunn this week while I'm in New York City. She is AMAZING! The passion and energy she and Kat Weaver have for helping startup founders is unmatched! This coming week on Tues, July 16th (2pm ET), we will be talking about Startup Exit Strategies. It's free to attend. You can register here: https:/hubs.li/Q02D-S8L0 Kat & Katie have also invited a special guest to join us for this session -- Carrie Kerpen, Founder of The Whisper Group. These are always great interactive sessions, and I'm excited to get their insights into when and how founders should talk to investors about potential exit strategies. And also talk about how early should founders think about potential exit strategies. There is a great book on this topic written by my friends Mark Achler and Mert Hilmi Iseri called "Exit Right". I'll share a link in the comments for anyone interested. Looking forward to seeing you next week for this special event on Startup Exits! #startups #founders #entrepreneurs