Yes and no. Some channels were chosen deliberately, while others were more serendipitous. General networking, conversations, and hunting for startup-related information/tips happened to surface prospects without explicitly looking for them.

In hindsight, there are two things I’d change. One micro-level, one macro-level.

Micro: I would have started creating content on day one, even before anything was built. In any domain, you need time to establish credibility, and the easiest way to accelerate that is by consistently sharing insights, lessons, and thought processes. Building trust starts long before you ship a product. That’s going to be a major focus for us moving forward.

Macro: I would have pushed myself much harder on the networking front a looooong time ago. Earlier in my career, I didn’t step outside my comfort zone enough, and I avoided social platforms entirely throughout the 2010s. Once I decided to build a company, I had to completely overhaul that mindset. My advice to anyone early in their career -> spend a few extra hours each week meeting people, attending events, and expanding your circle. It feels optional, but over time the compounding effects are enormous.