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Ash Rust
Ash Rust

5.1K Followers

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Introducing Sterling Road Fund 3: Deploying $20M through early-stage founder coaching

Today we’re introducing Fund 3, a $20M fund backing pre-seed stage founders of B2B startups, that have gone through our coaching program. Since day one, we’ve taken a different approach to early-stage venture investing. Rather than investing first, then offering to help, we partner closely with founders before making an…

Founder Coaching

3 min read

Introducing Sterling Road Fund 3: Deploying $20M through early-stage founder coaching
Introducing Sterling Road Fund 3: Deploying $20M through early-stage founder coaching
Founder Coaching

3 min read


Pinned

How to Build a Deck

For most founders, the deck is a cornerstone of their seed fundraising process. Unfortunately, most decks are terrible. They’re often difficult to understand, too detailed, or missing key details. …

Founders

5 min read

How to Build a Deck
How to Build a Deck
Founders

5 min read


21 hours ago

December Productivity

Today, we’re talking about being productive in December. The holiday season is challenging when it comes to getting things done, so what’s realistic for the last month of the year? 1. Close out your top goals You’re still a startup, so we need to make progress. Prioritize the achievable annual goals, planning around just 2 full…

Founder

1 min read

December Productivity
December Productivity
Founder

1 min read


Nov 30

Seed vs Pre-seed vs Idea Stage

Today, we’re talking about how investors categorize your startup and the key differences between the seed, pre-seed and idea stage. 1. Idea stage This category is for teams just getting started. The idea may change significantly, any demos will be basic, but the founders should be full-time or about to commit full-time. 2. Pre-seed stage This…

Fundraising

1 min read

Seed vs Pre-seed vs Idea Stage
Seed vs Pre-seed vs Idea Stage
Fundraising

1 min read


Nov 10

Star Trek Inches Closer with AI — Friday Thoughts

The computers in Star Trek are perfect: instantly available, easy to operate, and very powerful. However today, we’re still mostly restricted to entering information in a device we carry, like a phone or laptop, and to communicating complex tasks to a computer in a particular programming language, e.g. …

AI

2 min read

AI

2 min read


Nov 9

3 Criteria for Sales Qualification

Today we’re talking about qualifying a sales lead, i.e. assessing the potential customer’s genuine level of interest. Remember, it’s often someone’s job to engage with lots of potential vendors, so they might seem excited even if they’re just kicking the tires. So, here’s the 3 criteria you can use to…

Startup

2 min read

3 Criteria for Sales Qualification
3 Criteria for Sales Qualification
Startup

2 min read


Nov 2

Startup Branding for $100

Today we’re talking about branding as an early-stage startup. Many founders want to use their first cash to spend big on an agency. But nowadays, you can get started for under $100. Here’s how: 1. Logo You can try AI-based services like Looka for $50, or low-cost freelancers on Fiverr and Upwork…

2 min read

Startup Branding for $100
Startup Branding for $100

2 min read


Oct 30

3 Key Differences of Convertible Notes vs SAFEs

Today we’re talking about the differences between convertible notes and SAFEs. Although SAFEs are the common standard here in Silicon Valley, I do see plenty of convertible notes if companies are fundraising elsewhere. Here are the 3 key differences, and why I always suggest using a SAFE, if the company…

1 min read

3 Key Differences of Convertible Notes vs SAFEs
3 Key Differences of Convertible Notes vs SAFEs

1 min read


Oct 19

Sales Success: Start Small, Close Fast

Today, we’re talking about a common issue in enterprise sales: scope creep before the close. It’s tempting to let a project expand when a potential customer gets excited, but we want to avoid this, in favor of speed. 1. Bigger deals take longer. Large contracts need extensive approvals, slowing them down. …

Startup

1 min read

Sales Success: Start Small, Close Fast
Sales Success: Start Small, Close Fast
Startup

1 min read


Oct 10

Accelerator Prep: How to Ace the Interview

Today, we’re talking about how to prepare for your accelerator program interview. Getting selected is competitive, so make the most of your opportunity through preparation. 1. Use Online Resources You can find lists of practice questions, detailed guides and even interview simulators online. Make use of these tools. 2. Model Answers Make a list of expected questions…

Accelerator

1 min read

Accelerator Prep: How to Ace the Interview
Accelerator Prep: How to Ace the Interview
Accelerator

1 min read

Ash Rust

Ash Rust

5.1K Followers

Pre-seed B2B Investor in 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇬🇧. Email: ash@sterlingroad.com. More info: http://SterlingRoad.com/process

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