Barriers are imaginary
In my second week of high school, our teacher set us an assignment for our social studies program: what career did we want to follow? We had to interview someone in that profession, asking them a set list of questions…
So you want to work at my startup
For the past few weeks, I’ve focussed on recruiting more team members for our offices in Sydney and Manila. We’re hiring senior and junior engineers in both places, and Communications and Sales managers in Sydney. It seems as if everyone…
How investors can kill your startup without losing any money themselves
This is the story of a major mistake I made – not once but twice while fundraising for Posse. Each time it almost cost us the business. I like to think of it as a disease investors often unknowingly give…
The end of stress
Now, in the New Year, I can admit it: 2013 sucked and I’m glad it’s over. For the first eight months, I ran around the US trying to launch a startup on no budget, build a product, raise capital,…
How being a female tech founder is different
Just over three years ago I started a company called Posse, a business idea that required technology. I never thought I was doing anything extraordinary, and was shocked to learn that only 3% of Australians who launch technology companies are…
Can startups create a culture that competes with Google?
When I closed my first round of funding for Posse, I asked one of the lead investors – what’s the first thing you think I should focus on? His response: culture. Culture? Surely I should focus on hiring smart people,…
What I’ve learnt about outsourcing so far
Startups with limited resources may be tempted into outsourcing to cheaper places. I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories of entrepreneurs who spent a fortune building an idea in India only to discover a rat’s nest of badly written code that…
Why New Zealand is the perfect place to startup
I admit I’m biased. I grew up in New Zealand and I love the place. The landscape is stunning, streets are safe, people are friendly and life is easy. But lately I’ve come to love New Zealand for a different…
Why you should raise money yourself and not hire a corporate advisor
Hang around a few startup events and it’s likely you’ll bump into someone who’s interested in becoming your ‘corporate advisor’. Most likely, this person will be male, aged 40 – 50, dressed in a suit and — impressive. He’ll know…
