MVPs out SLC in, Startup Funding Rounds Explained, lots more – Mattermark Daily

Hurricane Harvey has left Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas in dire need of assistance. The devastation caused by the storm has left many people without homes, jobs, and basic necessities. In response to this crisis, Mattermark, a company that specializes in organizing information about fast-growing businesses, is urging its readers to donate to various organizations that are helping those affected by the hurricane.

The Red Cross is one such organization that is actively working to provide aid to those in need. Additionally, the New York Times has compiled a list of reputable organizations that readers can donate to, as well as advice on how to avoid scams that may arise in the aftermath of such a disaster. It is crucial for donors to ensure that their contributions are going to legitimate charities that are making a real difference in the affected areas.

In a separate piece of news, Jason Cohen, the operator of WPEngine, has challenged the common way of describing how to build early products. Cohen argues that the focus should be on simplicity, lovability, and completion (SLC) rather than on the traditional minimum viable product (MVP) approach. He believes that customers often dislike MVPs, which can lead to a negative first impression of a product. By prioritizing SLC, companies can create products that are more appealing to users from the very beginning.

Hiten Shah, the founder of Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, and Quick Sprout, has delved into the history of product growth and lessons learned by analyzing how Grammarly grew to 6.9 million daily users in just nine years. Shah's article on the Product Habits blog provides valuable insights into the strategies that Grammarly employed to achieve such rapid growth.

Ryan Law, the CMO and co-founder at CoBloom, has written about the typical size and traits of startup funding rounds, from pre-seed to series C. This is part two of a nine-part series that Law is publishing, offering a comprehensive overview of the funding landscape for startups. Understanding the different stages of funding can be crucial for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the startup ecosystem.

Mattermark Standard, a service that provides access to information on more than four million of the world's fastest-growing businesses, is now available for $49 per month. This service is designed for job seekers, founders, angel investors, and anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest developments in the business world. With no annual commitment, users can start their free trial today and gain valuable insights into the companies shaping the future of their respective industries.

Monique Woodard, a partner at 500 Startups, has shared her unsolicited advice for aspiring venture capitalists, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Woodard advises that if you are a member of an underrepresented group in the VC industry, it may be beneficial to skip early-stage investing and instead work at a firm that writes later-stage checks. This advice is based on her own experiences and observations of the industry.

In a series of videos, Roger Lee of Battery Ventures has sat down with Nick Metha, the CEO of Gainsight, to discuss their working relationship. The videos explore how Lee's involvement with Gainsight has evolved over time, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of investor-founder relationships. As startups continue to emerge and grow, understanding these dynamics can be crucial for both investors and founders.

In conclusion, the world is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, with many people in need of assistance. Mattermark is encouraging its readers to donate to reputable organizations that are making a difference in the affected areas. Meanwhile, industry experts are sharing their insights on product development, funding rounds, and investor-founder relationships, offering valuable lessons for those navigating the complex world of startups and venture capital.