This is how Dara sold his first startup to build an AI that can clone anyone online, and raised funding from Keith Rabois for it.

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🚀 Startup → delphi.ai

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Founder Journey

• (00:56 ) — Dara's grandfather
• (03:45 ) — Dara's first encounter with LLMs
• (06:04 ) — Launching Friday: Dara's first company
• (08:10 ) — The Friday acquisition journey
• (08:54 ) — Working at OpenStore post-acquisition
• (48:03 ) — Lessons from building Friday

Co-founder Dynamics

• (09:38 ) — Choosing the right co-founder
• (12:01 ) — Transitioning from solo to co-founder
• (13:58 ) — Co-founders: bootstrapped vs. VC-backed companies

Marketing & Positioning

• (14:49 ) — Positioning Delphi
• (21:01 ) — Delphi's product roadmap
• (23:38 ) — PLG growth strategy
• (26:30 ) — Testing paid marketing channels
• (27:30 ) — Differentiating in the age of AI
• (33:35 ) — Dara's vision for building Delphi
• (37:27 ) — Attracting talent to your company

Mentorship & Investment

• (18:38 ) — Pitching Delphi to Founders Fund
• (38:16 ) — The importance of mentorship
• (40:21 ) — Lessons from Keith Rabois
• (41:51 ) — Effects of high-profile investors
• (42:57 ) — Why Keith Rabois invested in Dara
• (43:55 ) — Securing well-respected angels
• (44:44 ) — Dara’s fundraising tips
• (47:00 ) — Recognizing the need for VC backing

Additional Insights

• (29:18 ) — Future role of creators
• (31:02 ) — Future role of founders
• (35:26 ) — Passion as a priority in startups
• (49:35 ) — Niche focus vs. broad targeting

Rapid Fire

• (51:54 ) — Who's an investor you'd recommend?
• (52:32 ) — One thing you'd change about startups?
• (53:14 ) — Advice for first-time founders?
• (53:53 ) — Something you believe that most disagree with?