tech start-up self-eval

There have been some excellent discussions on Quora recently about how to structure start-ups, how to create the right kind of workplace cultures, best practices, anti-patterns, etc. All the better since Quora draws such an experienced, articulate audience, and makes highly effective use of their [topics, questions, follows, answers, comments, votes] format in a social network context. About that data? Drool. By I digress...

Anywhoo, I've been out talking with clients and other firms lately, plus comparing notes at meetups, conferences, workshops... having interviewed a small army of engineer and data scientist candidates for the past three employers... having seen the inside of several VC portfolios over the past five years, often with responsibilities to assist on due dili (triple that number, if you count being on the receiving end of due dili)... building teams for a range of early-stage through SMB...

Got a birdseye view of Silicon Valley: seeing what seems to work, what doesn't seem to work. All of which are terribly colored by my own bias – but hey, that bias is based on history in the industry. I joined as a FTE at a Silicon Valley tech start-up for the first time in 1983. Triad Systems, for what it's worth, followed by a gig at IBM – great contrasts. Call me opinionated, most certainly – that's one of the reasons why clients tend to call in the first place.

Here's my checklist of questions which I run through when evaluating a tech start-up. I'll keep this list updated and published in GDocs. Note that these question pairs are not arranged in any particular order; the spreadsheet will randomize order periodically, to help reduce bias in answers.

As a self-evaluation test, read each question pair, then tally the score for your start-up venture by giving one point for each answer in the left column (labeled "pattern").



For those who score 20+, congrads! Let's meet for beer. I'm buying the first round.

If your firm's score is less than 20, consider seeking help. There are equivalents for twelve-step programs for companies with substance abuse problems. A road toward recovery exists; you can get on that path.

If your firm's score is less than 10, don't bother trying to be competitive in Silicon Valley. However, you might consider a full relocation to Kansas. Or something.

Arguably, some of these question pairs represent a forced "either-or" scenario. Deal with it. This exercise is intended to force you to grapple with some difficult questions and controversial issues. Coffee is not for complainers.