September 17, 2020

Ryan Delk on The Pod of Jake

Check out The Pod of Jake Podcast Episode Page

Build things that excite you
Relationships compound, choose co-workers you want to work for a decade
When fundraising, understand what’s a meaningful amount of money for each investor that will make them care and architect the fundraising round around that
“Raise money from people that you couldn’t hire but that you want to hire” – Ryan Delk
Strive to quickly build a self-sustaining company that doesn’t rely on venture capital
Don’t be afraid to send cold emails, but keep your emails short and direct

Distance learning is gaining ground, more so because of COVID lockdowns
- Many parents will stick with homeschooling post-COVID, because of the economical and academic benefits
- That said, homeschooling in its current form isn’t suitable for all families, as both parents have to work in-person

The internet makes it easier to follow a curriculum and figure out what to learn
Traditionally, parents were worried about the social aspects of homeschooling, but more homeschooled individuals are dismissing those worries
The challenge with homeschooling is to find projects, field trips, and activities for the kids
- That said, it’s now easier to be part of many communities both online and offline

Primer brings together homeschoolers and parents of shared interests
- Kids can join clubs and work on projects based on their interests
- Additionally, parents can easily monitor what kids are working on (e.g. projects, curriculum, subjects, etc.)
Primer Navigator also outlines regulations per state
Investors in primer include Keith Rabois, Naval Ravikant, Balaji Srinivasan, Cyan Bannister, Erik Torenberg, Scott Belsky, Fred Ehrsam, Harry Stebbings, and David Perell

Things that can be shared should be shared
- We could all buy and own less stuff, share more, and have access to high-quality goods that we couldn’t otherwise afford
  - Imagine an Uber fleet of self-driving cars
- The trick is finding out the economic and logistical model to make it work

Relationships compound, choose co-workers you would want to work for for a decade
“Raise money from people that you couldn’t hire but that you want to hire” – Ryan Delk
- Draw on their expertise and let them drive popularity for you
Strive to quickly build a self-sustaining company that doesn’t rely on venture capital

“I am a huge believer in having a few investors, at least 1, with a very concentrated stake in the company” – Ryan Delk
- That said, the more successful the investor, the more the value you have to provide
Understand what’s a meaningful amount of money for each investor that will make them care and architect the fundraising round around that
- Else, the investor may own more of other companies and end up spending time on those

Don’t be afraid to send cold emails and explore the opportunities
People are busy, keep your emails short and direct
- An example, “Hey Ryan, I have a podcast, I would love to have you on. We have 90,000 listeners and here is a link to our recent episode. Let me know if we can get 45 minutes booked in the next month”

Build things that you are excited about
- Similarly, as a parent, what would you like to see your kid work on
Experts are not always the best teachers
- “The best NBA players aren’t the best coaches and the best coaches aren’t the best NBA players usually” – Ryan Delk