startupdigest at cal poly

“Life is too short to work at a boring company”

Cal Poly | September 28, 2011

1.Background

2.Learning1. What is entrepreneurship2. Multiple subjects3. Why learning computer science is important

3.Application1. Minimal viable product2. Real world example

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

StartupDigest

Learn

Normal Path

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a game about learning

Multidisciplinary

1. Engineering• Computer science, Thermodynamics,

2. Design• Contrast, alignment,

3. Psychology• Social proof, reciprocity

4. Mathematics• Statistics, power law,

5. Business• Accounting, economics

Engineering*

Easier: Engineering > BusinessHarder: Business > Engineering

Absolute must of you are doing an internet

company

Application

Minimal Viable Product

Absolute simplest & efficient way to test a hypothesis.

while Traction is not True:Idea = HypothesisExperiment = MarketTraction = True or FalseIdea + Experiment = Traction

Real Experiment

Caution

MVP is not a startup, it’s step 0

Action Items

1. Take 1 class not related to your major or watch Khan Academy

2. Try one Minimal Viable Product

3. Work at something you are excited about this summer, think about what that is now.

“Life is too short to work at a boring company”

www.startupdigest.com

Questions?chris@startupdigest.com

Do I need to move to Silicon Valley?

What is traction?

Do I need to raise money? What’s next after the MVP?

How do I learn about new subjects?

How do I learn programming?

Who taught you the multidisciplinary learning?

What if my advisors won’t let me take other classes?

How else can I get started now?

How does SD make money?