a16z Podcast: 10+1 Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur Justin Kan

Want actionable advice from a founder who has built multiple tech companies and has invested the time to be open, introspective, and transparent about lessons learned?

In this episode (which originally aired as a YouTube video), a16z General Partner Andrew Chen (@@andrewchen) talks with Justin Kan (@justinkan). Justin is a repeat entrepreneur who co-founded Kiko Software (a Web 2.0 calendar that pre-dated Google Calendar by 4 years); Justin.tv (a lifecasting platform); Twitch.tv (a live streaming platform for esports, music, and other creatives now part of Amazon); Socialcam; and now Atrium, a software-powered law firm for startups.

Justin reflects on his journey and shares 10 + 1 lessons he’s learned:

The paradox of choice: choosing a focus Tradeoffs between B2B versus B2C companies Market risk vs execution risk Fundraising strategy: go big or stay lean? Managing the stress of being a startup CEO (again!) Seeking out mentors, coaches, and peers for help Intentionally designing a culture to avoid the pitfalls of “culture eating strategy” Things he’s still doing in his latest startup—and things he’s doing very differently Managing higher expectations What he’s reading and listening to Bonus: advice he’d give his 20-year old self

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