How do you pick the right idea? I've spent a lot of time thinking about this. I've started multiple companies and pivoted countless times. Last year, I took some time off to reflect deeply on what to work on next. And recently, I started a new company and picked a new idea I'm truly proud of. I wanted to share the lessons that impacted me while they were still fresh.1. Pick something you want.The easiest way to pick a good idea is to pick something you want. If you want it, there's a good cha...

Last week, I told a friend my favorite fundraising advice: “Make fundraising friends.” Startup founders often treat fundraising as a solo sport. They guess when to raise money, how much, and how to go about it. They craft their pitch in isolation and reach out cold to investors, which leads to wasted time, ignored emails, and missed opportunities. Fundraising, when done right, is a team sport. You learn the market conditions from other founders and investors. You get feedback on your pitch, i...

Last month, I parted ways with a long-time co-founder and friend. This was the hardest thing I've gone through in my professional life. Sharing a few "co-founder lessons" here in case they are helpful to others.Don’t co-found a company with a remote co-founderCo-founding a company and building a magical product is like making love, having a child, and raising it. It's hard to do this successfully from a distance. It's hard because, in the early days, startups are all about learning and moving...

I took a break from social media for the past few months — no apps on my phone, logged out on desktop, muted group chats, and barely posted. Some observations: The good: I felt more focused and got more done. My mind was quieter, and I was more present with family, friends, and nature. The bad: I felt more alone. My thoughts were siloed and unsharpened, and I felt like I was learning slower. I missed my internet people and learning in public. I think the system that works well for me is using...

After four years of grinding and pivoting, we recently decided to wind down Launcher Labs (FKA Newzip). I wanted to share our journey so that others might benefit from our mistakes and lessons.

We’re winding down Frameboard. Here’s a quick recap of our journey, mistakes, lessons, and everything in between—hoping it helps others building in crypto.

I’m excited to announce that Launchcaster has been acquired by Orange DAO. We launched Launchcaster two years ago because we didn’t have a great place to share and discover crypto projects with a community that cared. Since then, our side project has evolved into a public good, fostering thousands of launches and attracting over 15,000 crypto builders. We wanted to find a long-term home for Launchcaster where it could grow and continue as a public good for crypto builders without needing to t...

Last week was a16z Crypto's CSX demo day and our last week in London. To celebrate an awesome 10 weeks, I wanted to share a recap of some of my favor...

Here are my notes from Week 7 of a16z Crypto's CSX. This week focused on Go To Market, Community, and Partnerships in Crypto.Talk: Alex Blania (World...

One current challenge with consumer crypto is that most active users are builders or speculators. There are not that many actual consumers *yet.This ...