Founder Weekly (Issue 653 September 11 2024)

Founder Weekly - Issue 653

September 11, 2024

Founder Weekly

Welcome to issue 653 of Founder Weekly. Let's get straight to the links this week.

General

The video discusses how vertical SaaS companies seem to be resilient to economic downturns, likely due to their focus on specific industries and essential services. It explores how automation and AI can help SMBs address labor shortages, the trend of vertical SaaS providers offering comprehensive stacks similar to Toast, strategies for achieving high net revenue retention from SMBs, approaches to expanding TAM, the importance of CEO involvement with customers, and the benefits of a sales-assisted product-led growth model for inbound customers.

A $2.4bn ARR software platform for the life sciences industry that only raised $7m (!) in VC funding.

The conversation between Jason Fried and the host explores innovative app ideas and product development frameworks, emphasizing the importance of creating unique digital experiences that tap into universal human behaviors and emotions. They discuss concepts like the "Scratch-off Ad" and "Shower Door Sketch" apps, highlighting the potential of bringing real-world experiences to digital platforms and the value of incorporating limitations and scarcity in software design.

Marketing, Sales and PR

You’re ready to hire your first AEs when you have an Ideal Customer Profile that “shakes hands” with your Minimum Viable Product. 

Tactical ideas from revenue leaders at Carta, G2, Jellyfish, Miro and more.

The article discusses strategies for introverts to excel in sales by leveraging three key discoveries: viewing sales through the lens of information theory to enhance communication, systematizing charisma to improve engagement, and utilizing storytelling techniques to build rapport and increase close rates. By implementing these strategies, the author successfully increased their sales close rate from 30% to 80%, resulting in significant revenue for their business.

Money and Finance

The article discusses the potential consolidation and extinction of many venture capital firms, with 30-50% possibly ceasing to exist. It highlights concerns about the homogenization of the VC industry, driven by large allocators and LP preferences, and calls for greater diversification in both capital and cognitive approaches to prevent a potential "extinction level event" in the venture industry.

Everything you need to know about sales tax with Anrok CEO Michelle Valentine.

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