The rise of robot novelists, virtual reality à la The Matrix, automated surgeries… reality are quickly transforming into science fiction. In order to match this integration of technology in our everyday lives, large corporations realized that a single C-level executive would not be able to follow the trends/developments while keeping internal operations running smoothly. That’s when the role of the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) arose, to share the duties of the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
CTO, CTO, how little we know…
I’ll be one of the many to say it: there’s no clear, singular definition for the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) role.
With the ever-growing integration of technology in our lives, CTOs have become instrumental in running a successful organization, regardless of industry. Yet, Michael Kratsios (CTO of the White House) probably doesn’t share too much professional overlap with Kevin Scott (CTO of Microsoft).
Who says you need to find a co-founder? After all, no one will ever love your startup idea the way you do. Especially if it’s your first.
I know first hand. I’ve co-founded startups for over a decade.
With your infinite passion, love, dedication, and time, you’re going to nail it solo. There’s no way your venture will end up in the crowded startup graveyard, right?
Bad fiction aside, let’s cut to the chase. You’ve got serious vision. Your idea has gone through rigorous development, revisions, and edits with the help of many smart, talented individuals. You think know your startup will end up in the successful 10%, but with your business-focused skill set, you can’t do it solo.
From the get-go, you need to understand that finding a technical co-founder probably won’t be easy or quick, even if you have an extensive network. The search will take time, but you need to find the right one if you want to boost your startup’s chance of survival.
Hey, you! Are you a CTO? Or are you a CIO? What’s the difference?
On the internet, at least, there appears to be much confusion over what CTOs do. CTO of x company does this and the other, CTO of y company does this, that, but never the other. Admittedly, it’s a position that’s rapidly evolving and changing to match our continuing technological advancements.
As someone who’s been a startup CTO many times during the past decade, I’d like to briefly share my thoughts on the subject. Especially as the role relates to startups, rather than corporate giants.
Launching a company can be daunting and difficult. From developing your products/services to fundraising, there’s always too much work and too little time. Seed accelerators, such as Techstars and Y Combinator, try to ease these early growing pains by offering funding and guidance—but only to a select few startups.
Seed accelerators are often likened to prestigious universities. Both are highly selective, intellectually challenging, and designed to foster learning and growth. Seed accelerators, however, span only a few months, wherein founders focus on building their fledgling businesses
Time, especially in the tech world, travels at warp speed. From getting my start at Microsoft in the 90s to now, decades later, participating in Seattle’s startup scene, I often wonder where the years have gone.
But I’m not going to get sentimental or nostalgic, especially when there’s such exciting work happening all over this great city. And that gets me to the purpose of this post. I’d actually like to take a quick pause from the startup rat race and highlight a few startups based in Seattle that have caught my attention.
Launching a company can be daunting and difficult. From developing your products/services to fundraising, there’s always too much work and too little time. Seed accelerators, such as Techstars and Y Combinator, try to ease these early growing pains by offering funding and guidance—but only to a select few startups.
Seed accelerators are often likened to prestigious universities. Both are highly selective, intellectually challenging, and designed to foster learning and growth. Seed accelerators, however, span only a few months, wherein founders focus on building their fledgling businesses
For one reason or another, I’ve ended up cofounding many B2B SaaS startups over the years. They’ve become a passion of mine, especially since B2B SaaS has rapidly replaced the on-premise business model.
I thought, considering my experience, I’d share my perspective on building B2B SaaS startups. I’d advise against thinking what I have to say is scripture. While I’ve been in the startup space for over a decade, a blog post does not allow for me to provide the kind of personalized recommendations that would help your business.
From quickly scanning through the top search results on raising capital, I noticed there’s a general consensus: it’s a necessary evil that can’t be ignored.
You need to raise capital to run your business, but will anybody see the value in what you’re offering? Already, you’re asking the wrong question…
A common interaction: an angel investor says to the upteenth first-time founder, “Come back post-revenue.”
Blockchain companies have gone through the highest of highs and lowest of lows in the matter of a few years. Things have been more steady now, with blockchain companies steadily creeping back to its former glory.
They’ve even been receiving a recent push with new corporate partnerships. But I’ve noticed that there’s still a prevalent skepticism towards blockchain technology (cryptocurrency, in particular).
Some people think that you need a pitch deck to only snag investors. In my opinion, that’s false.
From the initial stages of finding a cofounder to your series funding rounds, it is your most effective way of convincing someone that your startup has value. A great pitch deck could help lead you to a partnership, an advisor, or an investor (and their money, of course).
Blockchain companies have gone through the highest of highs and lowest of lows in the matter of a few years. Things have been more steady now, with blockchain companies steadily creeping back to its former glory.
They’ve even been receiving a recent push with new corporate partnerships. But I’ve noticed that there’s still a prevalent skepticism towards blockchain technology (cryptocurrency, in particular).