"...this doesn’t provide the sort of certainty I know founders want in answering the question of when to raise. However, I think that knowing that there is no clean answer is important because it provides a framework for thinking through the relative advantages you have when thinking about a raise."
In my experience, finding a framework when you're searching for a solution is not a consolation prize. When the consolation prize is the only prize, it feels like the first place trophy -- and it is, at that time. The solution doesn't actually exist yet, but now you have the tool to find it.
About a year ago, I had this inescapable feeling that I was spending my time poorly (not daily productivity but on a larger scale), and it was causing me a lot of anxiety. Then I read How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen. I walked away with a framework for finding out what I want to be productive towards, even though that thing -- whatever it is -- was no more clear to me. My anxiety disappeared, which is what I wanted all along!
I was in the same situation as you at the end of last year. After 2.5 years working on a Techstars VC funded startup as a co-founder, we failed. Unfortunately at the time, I didn't have the extra cash to take time off, so I sent a few emails out (to the Techstars network) and a few weeks later jumped onboard another early startup as the first engineering hire. I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to join another early stage company, but they offered a nice salary (I obviously chose salary over equity), a nice bonus, + some equity. They were the perfect fit for me, so things worked out well.
If you have the $$ to travel before moving on, I would advise you to take some time off to relax and get your mind away from the startup world. Go see your family, it's amazing how much they care.
Lastly, you will experience many emotions for many months following, don't take it too hard. Life goes on, things happen for a reason, and good luck! It will all work out.
If there was an option in Tally to hide votes so they don't influence decisions, it would be more useful. We used it at Techstars recently and didn't find the results very accurate. That said, it's very slick and simple, which I really liked.
That's a very good point Patrick. It was intentional because I didn't want to add extra buttons and clutter the interface, but I might rethink it. It's always tricky to add functionality without sacrificing simplicity.
Yes, you should attend if you get accepted. Sure you can watch it online, but there's nothing like sitting in the audience, actually experiencing the talks, and meeting really smart people. During my first Startup School in 2009, I stayed with the founders of no-name startup (at that time) called Airbnb. It was super early days, and I remember walking into a loft where about 10-18 people were working. I met some really awesome friends during that trip. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made to this day.
I highly recommend attending if you get the chance. I've been twice and both times have been well worth it (I traveled from Texas both times).
I saw this coming, especially with their "Send beer to your friend in San Francisco" promo a few weeks ago. There are just too many regulations on alcohol.
Oh yeah, my free beer! I'm assuming the promo is no longer? Regardless of this change, I'll still use Instacart. It's a great service with quality customer service that's only getting better.
This is awesome. I spent the summer working from Excelerate Labs at 1871 Chicago, where Code Academy (now Starter League) teaches their classes. Neal and Michael are doing things right, and the Chicago tech/startup community has benefited greatly from it. Jason Fried was a mentor at Excelerate this summer and it's great that he's giving back to the Chicago community. Chicago is becoming a new hub for startups, and the Starter League has graduated many talented developers that are now working on their own startup or for others.
The quote I always remember from the book goes something like, "The average dad, also the poor dad, tells their children to work hard in school and get a steady job in a good company. The rich dad tells their children to start a company."
"...this doesn’t provide the sort of certainty I know founders want in answering the question of when to raise. However, I think that knowing that there is no clean answer is important because it provides a framework for thinking through the relative advantages you have when thinking about a raise."