I reminded that the key to sustainable growth is to spend right, not to spend more, echoing the disciplined mindset of real operators.
Before quitting a job, I ask founders to validate their idea through a three‑step framework that emphasizes extensive customer interviews and market sizing.
I require 100 user interviews: the first 30 teach nothing, the next 30 reveal patterns, and the final 40 provide the exact customer language.
Founders must match their capital strategy to the TAM: a small TAM points to a bootstrapped, profit‑focused business, while a massive TAM justifies venture‑scale funding.