Don't Build Your Company for the VCs

I feel like we're seeing increased deal flow around "hot technologies." I am keeping this definition vague, but what I mean here is technologies that are getting $$$/attention from the VCs.

This approach of entrepreneurs creating more hot technologies that specifically appeal to the VCs is nothing new, but happens more often when the market is stronger. Usually, a lot of these ideas have a "me too" strategy rather than offering clear differentiators. By the way, offering a technology for free is not a differentiator. :)

Rather than building your company for the VCs, build your company for your customers and because YOU believe it can be a long term sustainable company.

Also, work on something you enjoy, a space you know and are are connected to.

A big problem with creating companies in a hot space is that VCs have typically already made their big bets. A lot of capital has already gone into the space. This means you'll be immediately going against a ton of competition with companies that are well funded and have had a lot of lead time over you.

Comments

[Andrew Fife]

Free certainly can be a differentiator but only when a barrier or obstacle prevents competitors from doing the same thing or when the market is both sticky and can be captured very quickly. Neither situation occurs very often.