The Founder's Dilemmas
by Noam Wasserman
Harvard research on the early decisions that sink startups: solo versus team, splitting equity, hiring friends, taking investors, rich versus king. Data-driven and sobering; the book to read before you incorporate.
Read it if…
you are about to co-found something and have not yet split equity.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want inspiration; this is risk management.
Try instead: Thinking Strategically →
Three things you will actually use
- Equity splits should vest and be dynamic.
- Rich or king: pick one.
- Founding with friends needs more rules, not fewer.
Do this first
Decide whether you want to be rich or king, then choose investors accordingly.
Our verdict
Read before you incorporate.
See the book →
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Customer Satisfaction Is Worthless, Customer Loyalty Is Priceless
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