ShowNotes of @mjkabir

Startup funding is a critical step in a startup's lifecycle. Let's get to know some resources.

These funding platforms provide tech startups various options for securing early- and growth-stage capital. From traditional angel networks to modern equity crowdfunding models, each platform has unique features suited to different funding needs, company profiles, and stages of growth.

I am interested in podcasts, so I am exploring everything about them. Here, you will find my notes on starting a podcast to rank to everything else.

I am finally starting my electronic tinkering lab with my two boys. We aim to build small gadgets for fun and, eventually, a single device, combining all our tinkering knowledge. I always wanted to do this for years but waited until my little one was 11 so we could all play at the same table. I have converted my blackjack playing table into my science station. In this note, I will document the progress and details as much as possible.

Starting and growing a successful business requires access to the right resources, including funding, mentorship, and strategic support. For startup founders, finding the best platforms to secure grants, venture capital, and crowdfunding can be crucial to turning an idea into reality.

Whether seeking government grants, joining accelerator programs, or exploring equity crowdfunding, this list provides a comprehensive guide to the most impactful platforms and grant programs available. From popular platforms like Kickstarter and Techstars to niche opportunities like the Amber Grants for women-owned businesses, these resources can help startups at any stage secure the capital and support needed to scale.

Launching a public website or app is a must for all tech startups. Some startups are software companies, so they should know what software/services they need to keep their infrastructure safe and secure. 

I will share some pointers that might help you if you are unsure how to enhance your security on a small budget. Expect to spend 5-15% of revenue for on going security.

Yep, it's bugging me in the mid-section. Time to lose the mid-section!

I love riding bikes. I live in a hilly area of Rocklin, and with regular biking, I am limited in how far I can go, as I have the stamina to return home!

I have been thinking about an e-bike to increase my range of exploration, and I will share my research here.

Using the following buyer's intent tools you can explore who are potentially looking for your tool or service.

 I am not a big fan of Discord, but some marketing and startup gurus swear by it, so I am compiling a list of communities that use the Discord system.

I am researching a list of Slack communities that might be interesting to explore for first dozen customers.

You can join many business communities to explore building business relationships and product awareness for what you are building. I am going to list them here.

These subreddits are great for tech founders.

I am planning to create a Chrome Browser plugin for PH to manage followers.

This is an ongoing note.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is still very important for Web-based SaaS companies. I am sharing my notes on this topic.

I love taking pictures of my town.

I found some VC databases that startups can use.

I am investigating vector database development for AI embedding purposes and here I will share my research and findings.

Here is a list of feature ideas that we are going to explore. You can request more in the comments.

OK, everyone asks about the books that changed my life. So here is a list of books that I found really amazing and have influenced me on many levels.

Tools that we use to do some interesting stuff.

Here are some of my tips and tricks that I compiled.

I never considered this route to build a startup. However, using statup accelerator is appropriate for many startups. For example, if you need a decent size AWS grant from AWS Activate for startups, you need to be associated with a startup accelerator.  Self-founded founder led startups do not get more than $1K in AWS Activate grant whereas incubator based startups can get up to $100K in AWS Activate credits. This is just a simple example of the benefits. There are tons of mentoring and funding connection benefits for being part of an incubator system.

So I have compiled a list of them that you can explore.

I am gadget head and love finding new gadgets. This note will help me keep track of my wanted gadgets.

AI space is full of buzzwords and jargon. I will use this note to keep track of the ones I hear in my daily AI exploration through X and other mediums.

I am investigating how to address Product Market Fit (PMF) for ShowNotes so I am using ShowNotes to keep track of my research in this area.  Product Market Fit is an extreme important matter for any startup or new product of an existing company.

Product market fit is when a product's features and capabilities closely match what a specific market segment wants and is willing to pay for. It indicates that the right product is being offered to the right customers at the right price. Achieving product market fit validates that there is sustainable demand and interest in the product, and that growth is possible by further improving the product for the target customers. Simply put, it means the product resonates with and satisfies its intended market.

Some of my key points that I liked from my research:

• Avoid vanity metrics - downloads (doesn't mean anyting if they are not active)
• Use real metrics - retention (active users) and usage
• New user data may skew retention metics (watch for it)
• Have a great and fast release cycle

You would think everyone knows them by now!

I still get asked for a list of LLMs beyond ChatGPT.

So I created this note.

My notes on AI stuff that I am interested in learning more about.

I will share my B2C product launch beta preparation with you here.