PinnedPaul O'BrienFounders, VCs Might Not Like My Sharing This, But They ShouldOne of the more challenging skills to help develop in a founder, is being able to discern b.s. from experienced and valid advice. As you…Sep 21, 20232Sep 21, 20232
PinnedPaul O'BrienIt’s never as easy as it looks.I lost $50,000, more or less, on a business started in my 20s. Hurt a lot. I’m now 4d-*ahem* and finding peace with success. Lessons…Jan 4, 20231Jan 4, 20231
Paul O'BrienWhen Founders Need Referrals to Meet Investors, Fix This About Your Startup EcosystemIn a well-functioning startup ecosystem, founders should know who their potential investors are and how to connect with them. In a…1d ago1d ago
Paul O'Brien10 Policies Proven to Turn Cities into Startup PowerhousesCities play a critical role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. With startups and small businesses the key drivers of economic…2d ago2d ago
Paul O'BrienHow the 2025 White House Could Shape a Bold Economy for Startups and InnovatorsWith the dust still settling, I thought I’d wade into a precarious subject because I believe this Presidential election and the outcome…2d ago2d ago
Paul O'BrienWhen Entrepreneurship is Bad for the EconomyEntrepreneurship has long been celebrated as the ultimate engine of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. But what if the fervor…4d ago4d ago
Paul O'BrienRethinking Startup Ecosystems to Build What Investors Really WantIn most of the world, startups are in disrepair. No more effectively can we just reboot or defrag a computer to actually fix it, than we…Oct 28Oct 28
Paul O'BrienSeeking Better Startup Founder AgreementsEver see a pie chart like this, or can you at least envision one, wherein a partner of yours (or God-forbid, you), expect a majority…Oct 28Oct 28
Paul O'BrienSeek the Contrarian: What to Expect of a Good Entrepreneurship ProgramIn a speech in Paris, in 1910, Theodore Roosevelt remarked the often encouraged, “Comparison Is the Thief of Joy.” That, when we compare…Oct 15Oct 15
Paul O'BrienThe Quantum CorridorFor too long, cities across the U.S. have attempted to define their startup communities by adopting monikers like “Silicon Prairie,”…Oct 3Oct 3