POV
Not Every Company Is Built for the Big Leagues
Run the math before you buy the myth.
Two New Metrics that Might Keep Your Startup Alive in 2026
I’m skeptical of many startup “rules.” But trusting in exceptional founders has rarely led me too far astray.
The Two Laws Of Startup Physics
Fifteen years into my venture capital career, I’ve come to believe there are two undeniable laws of startup physics: 1) Capital compounds both positive and negative formulas. 2) All positive formulas compound at diminishing rates of return.
People Over Logos
On founder-market fit and aptness over novelty.
Your Idea Isn’t Special. You Might Be.
“Why You?” is always the critical question we ask at Founder Collective, but in overheated markets, it becomes decisive.
How to Evaluate Early-Stage Startups: The Pattern Breakers Framework
One of the clearest frameworks I’ve seen for evaluating early-stage businesses.
Why Doesn’t Apple Own AI? And What Does that Mean for Founders?
On paper, Apple has all the prerequisites to build the ultimate personal agent, and yet…Apple isn’t a serious AI player. Why?
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work – At Least for Me
Why I’d never be a solo GP or solo founder.
The Cofounder-First Thesis
Why the “idea maze” starts with who, not what.
5 Lessons from SharkNinja CEO Mark Barrocas
SharkNinja CEO Mark Barrocas recently spoke with Founder Collective GP Amanda Herson at Collective Future.
Noah Glass: Two Decades of Online Ordering and He’s Still Hungry
Having had the pleasure to work with Noah for two decades, I want to share a few reflections.
When Chat Replaces Search: The Economics of AI-Mediated Information
When answers replace clicks, publishers, brands, and platforms face a new incentive structure.
The Nexus: Why I’m Long NYC
When you build here, you aren’t just plugging into a “tech scene” – you are plugging into the actual machinery of the world.
Asymmetry of Verification
The reason AI progress is uneven.
What’s the Case for Studying Art in the Age of AI?
Artistic careers may be more challenging to forge, but making art as a way of seeing, understanding, and social signaling has a bright future ahead.
People Over Logos
On founder-market fit and aptness over novelty.
Hype & PR Fade. Patience Compounds.
Venture capital does itself no favors with an all-or-nothing mindset.
The Golden Vintage: Did We Mistake Alpha for Beta?
In hindsight, the 2009-2015 era looks like a “Golden Vintage.” But looking back with an honest lens, I have to ask: Was it all skill, or was there a massive arbitrage opportunity?
Eric Paley to Serve as Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
We’re proud to share that Eric Paley, our long-time partner and dear friend, has been appointed Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Governor Maura Healy.
From Startups to Stewardship: Eric Paley Brings Founder-First Values to Public Service
Eric has chosen to step away from Founder Collective to assume the role of Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Anyone who has ever met Eric will instantly know why he is an inspired choice and a perfect fit.
Search
Not Every Company Is Built for the Big Leagues
Run the math before you buy the myth.
Why Doesn’t Apple Own AI? And What Does that Mean for Founders?
On paper, Apple has all the prerequisites to build the ultimate personal agent, and yet…Apple isn’t a serious AI player. Why?
The Nexus: Why I’m Long NYC
When you build here, you aren’t just plugging into a “tech scene” – you are plugging into the actual machinery of the world.
Not Every Company Is Built for the Big Leagues
Run the math before you buy the myth.
Two New Metrics that Might Keep Your Startup Alive in 2026
I’m skeptical of many startup “rules.” But trusting in exceptional founders has rarely led me too far astray.
The Two Laws Of Startup Physics
Fifteen years into my venture capital career, I’ve come to believe there are two undeniable laws of startup physics: 1) Capital compounds both positive and negative formulas. 2) All positive formulas compound at diminishing rates of return.
People Over Logos
On founder-market fit and aptness over novelty.
Your Idea Isn’t Special. You Might Be.
“Why You?” is always the critical question we ask at Founder Collective, but in overheated markets, it becomes decisive.
How to Evaluate Early-Stage Startups: The Pattern Breakers Framework
One of the clearest frameworks I’ve seen for evaluating early-stage businesses.
Why Doesn’t Apple Own AI? And What Does that Mean for Founders?
On paper, Apple has all the prerequisites to build the ultimate personal agent, and yet…Apple isn’t a serious AI player. Why?
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work – At Least for Me
Why I’d never be a solo GP or solo founder.
The Cofounder-First Thesis
Why the “idea maze” starts with who, not what.
5 Lessons from SharkNinja CEO Mark Barrocas
SharkNinja CEO Mark Barrocas recently spoke with Founder Collective GP Amanda Herson at Collective Future.
Noah Glass: Two Decades of Online Ordering and He’s Still Hungry
Having had the pleasure to work with Noah for two decades, I want to share a few reflections.
When Chat Replaces Search: The Economics of AI-Mediated Information
When answers replace clicks, publishers, brands, and platforms face a new incentive structure.
The Nexus: Why I’m Long NYC
When you build here, you aren’t just plugging into a “tech scene” – you are plugging into the actual machinery of the world.
Asymmetry of Verification
The reason AI progress is uneven.
What’s the Case for Studying Art in the Age of AI?
Artistic careers may be more challenging to forge, but making art as a way of seeing, understanding, and social signaling has a bright future ahead.
People Over Logos
On founder-market fit and aptness over novelty.
Hype & PR Fade. Patience Compounds.
Venture capital does itself no favors with an all-or-nothing mindset.
The Golden Vintage: Did We Mistake Alpha for Beta?
In hindsight, the 2009-2015 era looks like a “Golden Vintage.” But looking back with an honest lens, I have to ask: Was it all skill, or was there a massive arbitrage opportunity?
Eric Paley to Serve as Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
We’re proud to share that Eric Paley, our long-time partner and dear friend, has been appointed Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Governor Maura Healy.
From Startups to Stewardship: Eric Paley Brings Founder-First Values to Public Service
Eric has chosen to step away from Founder Collective to assume the role of Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Anyone who has ever met Eric will instantly know why he is an inspired choice and a perfect fit.