Escape the toxic cycle of second-guessing yourself.

Users won’t follow your rules. Often, you have to release a product before you can prove your assumptions wrong.

Users aren’t attracted to great ideas that lack a proof-of-concept. But show a single example of success, and customers will follow.

The most successful breakout startups have a lot in common.

To enjoy seed-stage investing, you have to be comfortable betting on founders and their promising ideas, rather than completed products and metrics.

Sometimes, it takes 18 months of conversations to land a customer.

Draw courage from a single paying customer.

Opportunity recognition is anthropology.

Startups don’t have to start with a grand vision. Sometimes, the first step is to step back and observe the world around you with fresh eyes.

Founders aren’t locked into the roles they adopt at the outset.

It’s easier to launch your product when customers and potential investors already know who you are.

Don’t confuse users with buyers — B2B success requires organizational adoption.

Investors and companies need new models to solve global problems.

Tell a compelling story, using responses from potential customers.

Take the hint. If you come across a novel solution and get enthusiastic feedback from experts, your idea might be a startup in the making.

Before jumping into business, make sure you have both an enthusiastic market and a strong internal commitment.