Stayzilla was once a rising star in the Indian online hotel booking space. Founded in 2008, it quickly became one of the leading budget hotel aggregators. However, by 2017, the startup had shut down operations amid controversies and legal troubles. As an entrepreneur turned angel
As someone who’s been in the trenches of startup life, I’ve seen my fair share of Chief Everything Officers (CEOs) in action. It’s a role that’s both exhilarating and exhausting, demanding a unique blend of skills, resilience, and adaptability. In this post, we’ll dive deep
Brand loyalty is the holy grail for businesses. It means customers keep coming back, evangelizing your products, and providing a steady revenue stream. But building true loyalty is tough in today’s world of infinite choices and fleeting attention spans. As an angel investor who has
I’ve worked out of offices for 20 years. I’ve seen everything from bustling coworking spaces to sleek corporate offices. The debate over coworking vs traditional offices rages on, with passionate advocates on both sides. Today, I’ll dive deep into this topic, exploring the pros and
As a startup entrepreneur turned angel investor, I’ve seen my fair share of business models. The choice can make or break a company from B2B (business-to-business) to B2C (business-to-consumer). It’s a fundamental decision that impacts everything from marketing to operations to revenue streams. So how
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a billionaire? I’m sure many of you have! Well, the success story of Ryan Petersen might inspire you to chase your dreams. Ryan is the founder of Flexport, a digital freight forwarding company. He has achieved incredible success at
Building a minimum viable product (MVP) is crucial for startups. An MVP allows you to test your idea, validate assumptions, and gather user feedback before investing significant resources. I know the struggle of bootstrapping a startup with limited funds. Been there, done that! In this
ave you ever felt frustrated trying to build a product that customers don’t seem to want? Or poured tons of money and effort into developing features that ended up being ignored? If so, you’re not alone. Many companies struggle with creating user experiences that truly
Looking for a cofounder is a lot like dating – you have to put yourself out there, go through some awkward encounters, and hopefully find that special someone you click with. Just like in the dating world, having a solid strategy can make the cofounder
As an entrepreneur who has built and exited several successful startups, I often get asked about the secrets to running a business on autopilot. The allure of a self-sustaining company that practically runs itself is a tantalizing prospect for any business owner. While it’s a
Money talks. But sometimes, it whispers stupidly. Other times, it speaks wisely. Smart money listens carefully before investing. Dumb money rushes in blindly. As an angel investor, I’ve seen fortunes made and lost based on those two vastly different mindsets. This post explores the key
Mental health has become a topic of paramount importance. With stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise, there’s a growing demand for accessible and effective mental health services. Starting a mental health business can be rewarding and impactful, but it requires careful planning, dedication, and
As an entrepreneur turned angel investor, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for restaurants to attract and retain customers in a highly competitive industry. While advertising is a common strategy, it can be costly and may not always yield the desired results. In
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that getting people to buy your product is a delicate dance – one that requires a perfect blend of strategy, creativity, and a deep understanding of human psychology. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of tips and tricks
Social media has transformed how we communicate and share information. Apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become household names. However, some platforms have struggled to find lasting success. One such app was Yik Yak, an anonymous social media platform that allowed users to post
Have you ever heard of the PayPal Mafia or the Xoogler Mafia? These are nicknames for groups of people who worked together at companies like PayPal and Google. After leaving, many of them went on to start or invest in new companies together. This tight-knit
Embarking on a startup journey is thrilling yet daunting. Brilliant ideas can fizzle without proper execution. Many founders quickly realize they need a cofounder – someone who shares their vision and fills crucial skill gaps. But what if that cofounder could also bring investment to
WeWork took the world by storm with its innovative co-working spaces. The startup achieved cult status and a meteoric valuation rise. However, its failure in the USA and other startup ecosystems was as dramatic as its initial success. Interestingly, WeWork found steady success in the
Success is often equated with luck, but the Mark Cuban story proves otherwise. This remarkable entrepreneur’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, calculated risks, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. Born into a working-class family in Pittsburgh, Mark Cuban defied the
Starting a startup is like jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down. It takes guts, determination, and a whole lot of skill. But what separates the startups that soar from the ones that plummet? A big part of it comes