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The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

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Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#71

Post by metaphorm »

CalChris wrote: post #67
metaphorm wrote: post #57

Earlier quoted context omitted.

look, friend, this is the most sedentary line of work there is. if you don't have a good chair you're in for a world of hurt.

I've slept under my desk because the couch was already occupied. I think a certain amount of pain in a startup focuses people and I'm very good with that. As for sedentary, it doesn't have to be. I worked at 100 Hamilton Ave once before it was Palantir. Boring work but there was a gym in the basement. I got my bench 1RM up to 270. And I've worked at a certain company where the VP of Resources personally adjusted the…

it ain't the chair, but it's a nice perk to have as far as perks go. I'd probably pick a nice chair over almost any other office amenity.

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#73

Post by bdcravens »

CalChris wrote: post #43
rfrank wrote: post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Embody, also by Herman Miller.

At $1500 for a chair, no wonder these startups are failing.

How many new Macbook Pros + 27" monitors have been purchased over the years for a sales person to check email and use a web-based CRM?

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#75

Post by rexreed »

ghaff wrote: post #70
rexreed wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

First, from what I am hearing, there was overall lower number of badge sales for SXSWi. The sometimes large attendance at sessions was masked by the fact that SXSW now allows any ticket type entrance to various events, but only prioritizes certain badge holders. Second, overall attendance at unofficial events was significantly lower from previous years. Previously you faced huge lines for most parties, but many such…

At the same time, it's also reasonable to ask how much of it is just SXSW getting past its Sell By date. I don't really have an opinion one way or the other but a lot of events seem to go through a certain natural cycle even when the environment they're operating in remains basically healthy.

While I agree that perhaps SXSW has "jumped the shark", at least the interactive part, you'll find that enrollment and participation at many other startup-focused events is declined in 2017 year over year versus 2016. I would bet that Web Summit, CollisionConf, TechCrunch Disrupt, and others are not as full as they used to be or are facing similar challenges with startup numbers, and sponsorships especially.

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#76

Post by songzme »

songzme wrote: post #69

What does it mean to be the terminator of startups? Do you find the Sean Connor of startups and try to kill him? ...Or save him?

I think it's the terminator in the literal sense. Person who terminates things. But if referring to the literal word, why put it in quotes? Why capitalize it?

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#77

Post by jksmith »

spitfire wrote: post #39

Here's an idea. Go talk to these guys when you're starting your company. These guys are seeing all the failures, so they should have a decent grasp of what NOT to do. Discounting for the fact that they're only seeing failures.

There's some innocence in your comment which I wish I still appreciated. I think the grittier reality is that a lot of these startups were based on generally mediocre ideas, but were funded anyway because of relationships and contacts.

I cringe every time I see another "Come help us change the world at..." or "Come help us reinvent blah blah" here on HN. Instant red flag to me, but I'll be damned if they didn't get funded anyway.

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#78

Post by good_vibes »

This is a natural byproduct of the evolution of tech sector becoming THE world leader. We are no longer a small mammal outrunning giant reptiles, we are now the dominant force shaping the future of LIFE. This is a smart corrective measure to prevent a bubble. The best firms have learned that only scientific innovation, technical genius, and world-class leaders deserve capital for their ideas.

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#79

Post by kayge »

throwanem wrote: post #2

If there isn't yet a Silicon Valley episode featuring a thinly veiled expy of this gentleman, I can't imagine why not.

The headline actually made me think of a similar character they've already introduced: The Carver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdXKdRoB9Wk [potentially NSFW for language]

Re: The ‘Terminator’ of startups says he’s seeing two to four wind-downs a week

#80

Post by rudimental »

rexreed wrote: post #22
brandnewlow wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I was at SXSW but didn't have as much time for Interactive sessions as in past years. Can you expound on your SXSW observation? I did notice the trade show seemed dominated by the country pavillions like I don't remember before. It made me wonder if they were basically bussing in international startups to cover up for the general lack of startups that wanted to buy a booth.

First, from what I am hearing, there was overall lower number of badge sales for SXSWi. The sometimes large attendance at sessions was masked by the fact that SXSW now allows any ticket type entrance to various events, but only prioritizes certain badge holders. Second, overall attendance at unofficial events was significantly lower from previous years. Previously you faced huge lines for most parties, but many such…

This is interesting. Perhaps prices went up and the culture of SXSW attendees are shifting, from startups to the more mainstream. Also, SXSW seemed saturated with costs and crowds, and is a potential unwise use of funds for many companies. A few won the SXSW lottery each year, but many did some networking like any other conferences. Perhaps it's a sign of maturity amongst how people are spending VC money?
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