Startups

When to use revenue-based financing instead of VC and how to structure the deal

I remember the first time a VC pitch felt like the only way forward. We had rapid top-line growth, aspirations to scale internationally, and a roadmap that looked great on a slide. But as we dug deeper into the options, revenue-based financing (RBF) began to look like a smarter, more flexible path...

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I often get asked how entrepreneurs and busy professionals — people who travel, juggle meetings, and prize efficiency — can still enjoy sports that give them both a physical outlet and networking opportunities. For me, padel has become that perfect blend, and one question comes up more than any...

What to include in a founder-friendly vesting schedule to avoid future legal fights

I remember the early days of my first startup — long coffee-fueled conversations about product-market fit, an endless to-do list, and the equally important conversation about equity. We all assumed we'd be together forever, but experience taught me that relationships, priorities and timelines...

How to turn a single pilot customer into a scalable case study that attracts VCs

Running a pilot with a single customer can feel like a high-stakes interview: one chance to prove your product's value, attract attention, and convince investors that your idea scales. I've led and advised multiple early-stage teams through this exact process, and I’ve learned that the difference...

When I first had an idea that felt like it could change the world—or at least my corner of it—I wanted to jump straight into building. I sketched features, drafted wireframes and even paid for a domain. Very quickly I learned that enthusiasm without validation is expensive enthusiasm. Over the...

how to negotiate a performance-based term sheet with angel investors without losing control

I’ve negotiated my fair share of term sheets with angel investors, and one lesson keeps surfacing: performance-based terms can be powerful tools for aligning incentives, but they can also be Trojan horses for losing control if you’re not careful. Below I share practical, hands-on guidance on...

what 5 SaaS unit economics tell founders when to choose growth over profitability

I often get asked by founders whether they should push for aggressive growth or tighten the belt to protect profitability. The short answer is: it depends. What truly changes the decision are a handful of unit economics that reveal the health and scalability of a SaaS business. Below I walk through...

how to use Stripe Treasury to automate startup cash flow and cut banking fees

I remember the first time I realized banking overhead was quietly eating our runway. As a founder, every pound saved on fees and every hour reclaimed from manual reconciliation felt like oxygen for growth. That’s why when I started experimenting with Stripe Treasury for our startup’s cash...

The overlooked legal pitfalls every startup founder needs to avoid

Launching a startup can feel like embarking on a thrilling adventure. There’s the excitement of bringing new ideas to life, the rush of assembling a talented team, and the joy of watching your vision take shape. However, amidst all the innovation and energy, one critical aspect often gets...

The art of hiring game-changing talent for your startup's growth

When it comes to driving your startup’s growth, one of the most critical decisions you’ll ever make is who you choose to bring onboard. Hiring the right talent isn’t just about finding people with the skills to fill a role—it’s about finding individuals who can propel your vision forward,...