Hello World!

Overview:

• Hi, I'm Landon. Welcome to my new blog. I invite you to join me in exploring topics around tech startups, early-stage investing and resources for founders.

My background:

• I'm a former founder and I've been a consultant, advisor, mentor and board member for small companies for many years. Prior to that I worked in a large, multi-national biotech company for almost 20 years. I'm from Canada, but spent most of my career in the Bay Area. I moved there right after grad school (MASc in Chemical Engineering). I've recently returned to Canada and now live in Vancouver. I still spend a lot of time in California.

• Having worked in both large companies and startups, I feel comfortable in both, but I love the startup vibe. I love working with smart, creative, driven people. I'm tolerant of the occasional chaos and enjoy the frequent experimentation and iteration that is part of startup life. Increasingly, I'm learning and sharing more and more about what investors look for in startups. This is helping me build my own angel investing portfolio. I really want to see more women writing early checks.

• I've recently committed to writing more. It helps me crystallize my thinking. So that is the impetus for this blog. Hope you enjoy the ride. I look forward to your feedback.

Top 5 Topics for Blogging:

1. All things Startup Success. Importance of a viable business model on top of a great product. Strategies for rapid growth and scalability. Importance of frequent and deep conversations with customers and iteration based on their feedback. Case studies of successful startups.

2. Resources for Female and Underrepresented Founders. Access to funding opportunities. Support networks and mentorship programs. Highlighting success stories from diverse backgrounds. Why we need more diverse investors.

3. What Do Investors Look for in Early-Stage Startups? Key metrics and indicators investors consider. Tips for pitching to investors. Common pitfalls to avoid when seeking investment.

4. Hot Topics for Startups and Investors. Current trends shaping the startup landscape. Emerging technologies attracting investor interest. Impact of regulatory changes on the startup ecosystem. Founder mental health. New tools for startup operations. How AI is changing everything.

5. Differences Between Canada and the US Tech Ecosystems. Access to capital and investor networks. Contrasting regulatory and funding environments. Case studies of successful startups from each region. Expanding to the US from abroad.

6. Keep a look out for random other topics that catch my interest, guest posts, interviews, posts you suggest and some occasional humor.