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Startup Mentors

SoCal CTO

I've had several Startup CTO Consulting sessions recently where it became apparent that the Founder needed help with the business and product as much or more than the technology. Then we discussed how they could go about finding this startup business advisor. Do you have any suggestions for how to find a good mentor?

CTO Coach 259
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Technical Advisors: Every Web/Mobile Startup Must Have One

SoCal CTO

It was like having a bunch of mini- Free Startup CTO Consulting Sessions all in one room. This is exactly the kind of thing I'm doing as a Part-Time CTO or Technical Advisor for startups. There are two kinds of advisors that are commonly needed. Strategic Technical Advisor. Tactical Technical Advisor.

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Los Angeles CTO / VP Engineering Job Searches

SoCal CTO

As the organizer of the LA CTO Forum , I get lots of inquiries by job seekers and people looking for CTO / VP Engineering talent. I’ve written quite a bit about aspects of this topic, especially from the perspective of startup founders looking for talent – you can find these in: Startup CTO.

CTO Hire 150
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Hiring Developers Before Product/Market Fit?

SoCal CTO

The problem is you don't yet have product/market fit, and until you do, you don't really know what to build. And that should be the focus of the founders -- to find the special fit that will make your company take off. These companies are very early-stage and definitely have not shown product/market fit. Far from it.

CTO Hire 205
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Startup CTO or Developer

SoCal CTO

I’ve been having discussions with several people recently about the role of the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) in very early stage companies. In December 2007, I described how I commonly take on an Acting CTO Role in a Start-up. I used an image from Roger Smith that describes the varying roles of a CTO as the company matures.

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CTO Equity - Negotiation After Funding

SoCal CTO

I received an inquiry from a reader of my blog and thought I would provide some thoughts, but would definitely welcome input: I am an unpaid CTO of a small startup. Now I feel like I was part of the team to build the company but equity valuation offered to me is not fair. But I’m assuming you want to remain at the company.

CTO 167
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Why Solving Big Food & Healthcare Problems Will Yield Spectacular Companies

Both Sides of the Table

We believe that it is incrementally harder to differentiate on simple Internet products or mobile apps and while great companies are built doing this, our goal as a fund is to try and fund things that can be 100x returns if they work. In short, we’re after venture returns. They have raised $14 million to date.

Company 207