Master product roadmapping (2025): 7-step customer feedback to feature process, prioritization frameworks (RICE, MoSCoW, Kano, JTBD), roadmap tools comparison ($7.75-$59/user/month), communication strategies, iteration cycles, avoiding common mistakes, stakeholder alignment. Table of Contents Why Roadmap Matters: Moving Beyond Chaos 7-Step Process:…
Founder Role Evolution: When to Step Back & When to Lead
Master founder-to-CEO transition (2025): Founder vs CEO role differences, 4 growth stages requiring role evolution, when to delegate vs lead, hiring external CEO (44% external appointments Spencer Stuart 2024), board roles post-founder, succession planning, avoiding founder burnout, staying engaged without…
Scaling From 10 to 100 People: Founder’s Scaling Checklist
Master the 10→100 scaling transition (2025): Shift from flat to functional org structure, hire 75-90 people in 18-24 months, build manager layer (VP/Head roles), preserve culture through “first 10 hires are critical,” implement systems (OKRs, KPIs, communication), solve founder communication…
Series C & Beyond: Growth Stage Funding & Expansion
Master Series C+ funding (2025): $50M median round (up 67% from 2020), $100M-$250M valuation, founder secondary sales ($2-5M typical), bridge financing strategies, late-stage investor types, M&A preparation, global expansion, path to IPO or acquisition. Table of Contents What is Series…
Series B Explained: When & How to Raise Series B (Step-by-Step)
Master Series B fundraising (2025): $5M-$10M ARR requirement, 15-20% monthly growth rate, $20M-$60M median raise (up from $15M historically), 90-120 day timeline, Series B investor types, complete preparation checklist, data room requirements, due diligence process. Table of Contents What is…
Secondary Funding: Previous Investors Doubling Down
Master secondary funding and follow-on investments (2025): Pro-rata rights explained, how existing investors maintain ownership, follow-on investment strategy, when to ask early investors for more capital, relationship building, signal value, 50% of early-stage VC reserves allocated for follow-ons. Table of…
Women Founders Fund & Diversity Funding Opportunities
Master women founder and diversity funding (2025): Female Founders Fund ($275M), Women VCs ($1.5B+ AUM), Black Girl Ventures, 500+ investor networks, grants up to ₹50 lakh, angel networks, equity crowdfunding, 2.3% women funding gap, sector-specific programs, practical strategies for underrepresented…
Government Grants & DPIIT Recognition: Free Funding You’re Missing
Master government funding for Indian startups (2025): Startup India scheme benefits, DPIIT recognition process, 100% income tax exemption (3 years), ASPIRE scheme grants up to ₹100 lakh, SISFS seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, government procurement access, angel tax exemption,…
Accelerator vs Direct VC: Should You Apply for YC or Sequoia?
Master the accelerator vs direct VC decision (2025): Y Combinator vs Sequoia vs Techstars comparison, pros/cons analysis, time commitment (3-6 months), equity terms (5-10%), network value, decision framework for founders at different stages. Table of Contents The Choice That Defines…
Series A Checklist: When You’re Ready to Scale
Master Series A readiness (2025): Key metrics to hit ($1M-$3M ARR, 10-20% monthly growth), team structure requirements (15-25 people), product-market fit validation, unit economics benchmarks, cap table optimization, term sheet expectations, due diligence preparation. Table of Contents What is Series…