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Is Your Product Solving the Right Problem? | Jake O’Shea - E16

Published on: 1st May, 2024

Jake O'Shea, currently a Principal at Antler in Austin, delves into his rich background in the startup ecosystem. With experiences ranging from director roles at Capital Factory to mentoring at accelerators, Jake discusses the vibrant startup ideas and trends in Austin, emphasizing the ubiquitous role of AI in modern software development. He sheds light on Antler's industry-agnostic approach to investing, focusing on founder potential over specific sectors. Jake also touches upon the critical importance of knowing your customer base and making decisions regarding value propositions, rather than jumping straight into product development. He discusses the nuances of venture capital, offering insights into the dos and don'ts of early-stage fundraising and the significance of founder-market fit. Jake highlights emerging AI applications, from personalized learning to headless applications, and the potential for AI to redefine software interactions through natural language processing. A must-listen episode for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the intersections of AI, startups, and venture capital.

Key Takeaways:

  • Conviction and thorough customer research are key to creating value as an entrepreneur
  • Building a supportive community fosters collaboration and growth for entrepreneurs in AI
  • Networking and Fundraising Insights for Founders to create value
  • Understanding investor risks and founder execution capabilities can influence funding decisions
  • Investors prioritize founder execution, building conviction amidst market and tech risks
  • Investing in post-product market fit fuels growth and helps seize adjacent opportunities for expansion
  • Measuring product success through retention and engagement validates the right value proposition
  • Future tech and how they will reshape interactions and revolutionize tech engagement
  • De-risking your startup: market, technology, and execution
  • The future of AI: personalized learning and verticalized software


Mentions:

Website: https://www.antler.co/

Website: https://jakeoshea.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-oshea/

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About the Podcast

Funds and Founders: Untold Journeys Behind Their Breakthroughs
Welcome to "Funds & Founders: Untold Journeys Behind Their Breakthroughs," where we dig deep into the stories of successful Austin founders. Instead of focusing on their successes though, we dive into their journeys, particularly the struggles and obstacles they had to overcome.

This weekly podcast is tailored for Austin founders navigating the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey and hosted by fellow Austinite Abhinav Sinha. Here’s what to expect by tuning into Funds & Founders:

🚀 Embark on a Journey to Success
Join Abhinav as he takes you behind the scenes, exploring the highs and lows of building a company. This isn't your typical success story – we dive into the failures, the struggles, and those pivotal breakthrough moments that define a founder's path.

🌟 Real Conversations, Real Insights
Abhinav's approach is refreshingly different. Rather than dwelling on success, he crafts casual conversations that unravel the untold stories. Identify the setbacks that helped them grow, the lessons learned from failures, and the breakthrough moments that fueled these founders.

🤔 Why Didn't They Quit? Learn and Apply.
At the heart of each episode, Abhinav delves into the 'why' behind the perseverance. Why didn't they throw in the towel during tough times? And, most importantly, how can you apply their insights to your own journey? Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical takeaways for your entrepreneurial adventure.

🤝 Decoding Venture Capital
Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of Austin's venture capitalists? Abhinav sits down with local VCs to decode their criteria for investing in early-stage companies. Gain valuable insights into the world of venture capital, understand what investors look for, and appreciate the vital factor of founder-investor compatibility.

🎙️ Meet Your Host, Abhinav Sinha:
Abhinav's soft-spoken yet inquisitive style creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to share their authentic stories. His genuine curiosity and insightful questions make each episode a captivating journey into the minds of Austin's most successful founders.

If you're a budding Austin entrepreneur seeking the inspiration and insight needed for building a successful company, "Funds & Founders" is your go-to podcast.