4. Behind every great startup is a good story Your odds Time Narrative arc of a startup’s story
5. Narrative arc of a movie Frodo sets off for Rivendell Adam Sandler is rude to the girl but funny Adam Sandler now more rude than funny Space marines finally manage to kill some Aliens This is Gold Leader, we’re beginning our attack run... Frodo rescued by hot daughter of Steve Tyler on a horse Easier than shooting womp rats in Beggar’s Canyon back home “ GET AWAY FROM HER, YOU BITCH!” Maybe Sam was right about Gollum. #verytired Use the Force, Luke! Eywa sends in cavalry Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances Princess Leia hands out medals Viggo marries Steve Tyler’s hot daughter, is some kind of king now
6. Penniless, but you have a friend who’s a great developer Your boyfriend/wife agrees you should quit your job and do this Techcrunch raves about a rockstar team launching something identical with $50M funding Trying to get people to pay to use your first version Techcrunch raves about a rockstar team launching something identical with $50M funding Think you might finally understand SEM Some bloggers say nice things and you speak at a conference You’re funded Scaling is such a bitch EBITDA break even @aplusk loves you acquisition talks with competitor competitor folds F*ck Google, F*ck Facebook too Narrative arc of a startup