alphagenerator

I think I'd throw more money at those initiatives where they grow meat in labs. Factory farming is a horror, and cattle do tremendous amounts of damage to land all over the world.

Veganism is part of a solution to end animal abuse, but it's currently too hard of a cultural adjustment for people. We need a better, commercially viable solution.

Thanks for the wisdom. I appreciate it.

The e-mail thing is the killer. Can you make recommendations for how to network with investors when someone is coming from outside Silicon Valley?

I too am in the finance space and my networks are concentrated in NY and Chicago. However, because I want to take a more product-centric approach initially, I feel like I should be talking to people in California instead. Just one problem: I don't know too many finance people in California.

Is the short answer to just fly out there and do my best to network within the span of a few months?

Bill, I enjoyed this article a great deal.

Can you explain the basics behind your process for speaking to investors after demo day? Did you just compile a list of people to speak with, or was there networking involved at YC which led to the right people?

Sorry if this sounds basic. I've read a lot of articles, but the process of talking to investors still seems hazy to me.

Just wanted to throw more weight behind this comment. This book is excellent and is super easy to follow. It's one of those rare technical books that actually does an amazing job explaining things.

The code doesn't matter. You have to want the end product. The reasons for wanting it are personal, but you have to want it.

I think what you're doing is very important. Thank you for tackling this problem.

Your reply makes sense.

I just wanted to add that I think I see what the OP meant by "soft launch." I think the OP asked a good question, because most startup business guides say launch something minimal and iterate. Whereas, app-store gurus seem to place a heavy emphasis on the initial bump. (That is, they hint that you either succeed on the initial push or die.)

OP: Thanks for asking the question.

No, actually. I am learning the ropes like you are.

Curious: Where are you buying templates?

What sort of business do you operate? There are a lot of qualified developers in this town. The price is the sticking point.

I called Comcast trying to sign up for their top-tier service when I was working from home. The guy on the other side kept asking me what on earth I'd need the top tier service for and kept asking me questions. Then he scheduled the visit for the tech on the wrong date. Every time I deal with Comcast, it's a hassle.

I can't believe I got interrogated when I signed up for service. Worst customer service ever.