CloudTalk

Tag: Founders

  • AI Startups: Nailing Product-Market Fit

    AI Startups: Nailing Product-Market Fit

    It’s a question that’s probably been on the minds of every AI startup founder: How do you actually *nail* product-market fit? I was reading a piece over on TechCrunch the other day — dated November 11, 2025, if you’re keeping track — and it got me thinking. The article, which I’ll link below, featured insights from a couple of investors who’ve seen a thing or two.

    They’re not just throwing around buzzwords, either. It’s practical stuff. They talk about what founders and operators should be focusing on. About how to avoid some of the classic pitfalls. The whole product-market fit thing… it’s a journey, right?

    Notably, the article really drove home the idea that AI startups, in particular, face unique challenges. The technology is new, the landscape is shifting constantly, and the expectations are… well, they’re pretty high. So, how do you even begin to approach something like that?

    The Core Questions

    One of the first things the investors highlighted was the need to really understand your customer. Who are they? What problems are they *actually* trying to solve? It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many startups get this wrong, especially in the AI space. They get caught up in the technology itself, in the potential, and they forget to listen to what the market is telling them.

    The investors stressed that product-market fit isn’t a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing process. It’s about iterating, testing, and adapting. You build something, you get feedback, you adjust. And you keep doing that until you find something that resonates.

    This means being willing to pivot, too. To change your approach if something isn’t working. That can be tough, especially if you’ve poured your heart and soul into something. But sometimes, it’s necessary.

    Focusing on the Real Problems

    The best AI startups, the article suggested, are the ones that aren’t just building cool tech. They’re building solutions to real problems. Problems that people are willing to pay to solve. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your technology meets a genuine need.

    And it’s not always about the flashiest AI. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones that are the most practical, the most user-friendly, and the ones that deliver the best results. That’s the core of product-market fit, right?

    The investors also touched on the importance of building a strong team. A team that can execute the vision, adapt to change, and keep pushing forward. It’s a key ingredient, you could say.

    Beyond the Tech

    One thing that resonated with me was the idea that product-market fit isn’t just about the product itself. It’s about the whole experience. It’s about how easy it is to use, how well it integrates with other systems, and the level of support you provide. It’s everything, really.

    This article, and the investors’ insights, really make you think. It’s not just about the technology, it’s about the people. It’s about the market, and the need. AI startups, like any startup, need to remember that at their core.

    So, the next time you hear someone talking about AI and product-market fit, remember: it’s a journey. A complex one, sure, but also a really exciting one. And the best AI startups are the ones that are prepared to go the distance.

    For now, it’s a reminder that the best technology solves real problems.

  • Planning Ahead: How Founders Can Prep for Late-Stage Funding

    Planning Ahead: How Founders Can Prep for Late-Stage Funding

    It’s funny, isn’t it? How much of the startup game is about looking ahead. The article I read today, from TechCrunch, really drove that home. It’s all about late-stage fundraises, and how founders can, and really should, start preparing from day one. Seems obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds, you know?

    The core idea? Start building those relationships *now*. I mean, if you’re a startup, you probably have a million things on your plate. But the piece really emphasizes that forging connections with late-stage investors early on is crucial. It’s like planting seeds in a garden. You don’t wait until the harvest to start, right?

    Notably, the piece doesn’t just say ‘network.’ It’s more nuanced. It’s about understanding what late-stage investors look for. They’re not just throwing money around; they want to see a clear path to returns. So, it’s not just about knowing names; it’s about understanding their investment theses, their portfolios, what they value. That takes time, it takes research, and it takes… well, it takes the kind of foresight that separates the good founders from the great.

    And it makes sense when you think about it. Late-stage investors are, by definition, looking at more mature companies. They want to see traction, revenue, a solid business model. They’re not taking big risks, so your groundwork has to be rock solid. This means having a clear narrative, a compelling story that resonates with *their* priorities.

    Earlier this week, I was talking to a friend who is a founder. He’s in the thick of it – early stage, trying to get off the ground. He was so focused on the immediate, on getting that initial seed round. And, you know, that’s understandable. But the TechCrunch article kind of nudged me to think: what if he also started, in a small way, to build those relationships for the future? Not in a pushy, desperate way, but in a smart, strategic way.

    It’s not just about the money, either. The article kind of implies that the right investors bring more than just capital. They bring experience, connections of their own, and a deeper understanding of the market. They can help you navigate the tricky waters of scaling up. You get that, and you’re set.

    Still. It’s a balancing act, right? You’re building a company, dealing with the daily grind, and then you have to think about the *future* future. But, in a way, it’s also about changing your mindset. It’s about seeing the whole field, not just the immediate patch in front of you.

    The article also touched on the idea of transparency. Late-stage investors want to see the whole picture. They want to understand the risks, the challenges, the potential roadblocks. So, it’s about being upfront, honest, and building trust. You’re not just selling a dream; you’re building a partnership.

    And, you know, I think that’s the real takeaway. It’s not just about getting the funding. It’s about building a solid foundation, a sustainable business, and a relationship built on mutual respect. It’s a long game, and the best players are always thinking a few steps ahead.

  • Slow Ventures’ Finishing School: Etiquette for Founders

    Slow Ventures’ Finishing School: Etiquette for Founders

    There’s been a quiet shift happening. It seems like the venture capital world is getting, well, fancy. Or, at the very least, they want their founders to be. This week, Slow Ventures hosted a three-hour “Etiquette Finishing School.” Yep, you read that right. A finishing school. For startup founders.

    I know, right? Pretty wild. The whole thing was designed to help these founders learn to be… well, fancy. The curriculum? Everything from the perfect handshake to the nuances of public speaking and even office decorum. I’m picturing tiny forks and pinkies up, but I’m probably wrong.

    It’s a fascinating move, honestly. You’ve got these companies, these scrappy startups, building the future, and suddenly, they need a lesson in how to shake hands properly? It’s a bit of a culture clash, but maybe that’s the point. The world of venture capital has always had its own set of unspoken rules, and perhaps Slow Ventures is trying to help their founders navigate that world a little smoother.

    The goal, it seems, is to equip these founders with the tools they need to succeed not just in building a product or service, but also in the boardroom, at networking events, and, well, wherever else they might find themselves. Think about it: a polished founder is probably more likely to impress investors, land partnerships, and generally make a good impression. And in the world of startups, perception is often reality.

    This “Etiquette Finishing School” covered a lot of ground. The perfect handshake, which, let’s be honest, is a skill many of us could probably brush up on. Public speaking – a huge factor in whether a startup gets funded or not. And then there’s office decorum. I’m curious what that entailed. Were there lessons on how to arrange the succulents? How to avoid passive-aggressive sticky notes?

    Anyway, this whole thing got me thinking about the evolving definition of what it means to be a successful founder. For a long time, it was all about the hustle, the late nights, the ramen noodles, and the ability to code like a ninja. Now, it seems, there’s a new set of skills being valued. Soft skills, you might call them. The ability to network, to present yourself well, to navigate the social landscape of the business world.

    And it makes sense, right? As startups grow, founders have to step into a different role. They go from being the doers to the leaders, the visionaries, the faces of the company. And that requires a whole new set of skills. This is the new normal, it seems.

    Look, the “Finishing School” concept is unusual, but maybe it’s a sign of the times. It’s a signal that the venture capital world is becoming more sophisticated and that founders need to keep up. It’s an interesting concept, to say the least.