Traditional assessments for engineering candidates are ineffective; focus on taste, agency, and real-world collaboration to evaluate potential.
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Michael Bloch is a startup founder turned investor who writes about technology, startups, and investing.
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The post highlights the success of 'quiet compounders'—companies that grow significantly without seeking public attention, contrasting them with louder, less profitable competitors.
6.4No Coding Before 10am
2026-02-11 • productivity innovation engineering startup ai
A startup has redefined its engineering practices by prioritizing AI agents and collaboration over traditional coding methods, emphasizing clear objectives and maximizing efficiency.
6.4End Game Positions
2026-02-07 • technology energy investment data regulation ai
AI's evolution necessitates strategic focus on energy, resources, capital, and regulatory factors as key positions for future success in various industries.
The US defense budget for 2023 emphasizes investment in startups and technologies crucial for national security, highlighting a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
The post argues that while charisma ('sparkle') can secure funding, true depth ('substance') is crucial for building lasting success in startups.
Alpha companies challenge conventional wisdom by pursuing misunderstood opportunities, while Beta companies follow market trends, often leading to less innovative outcomes.
The post highlights how dilution in venture capital erodes early investor ownership and emphasizes the importance of evaluating companies based on their funding round efficiency.
5.7The GPT-9 Test
2026-01-20 • technology business entrepreneurship future ai
Founders must critically evaluate their businesses' sustainability in the face of rapidly advancing AI technologies like GPT-9, which may outpace human capabilities.
Ten predictions for 2024 in defense tech emphasize the challenges and opportunities arising from geopolitical tensions, startup dynamics, and advancements in AI and biosecurity.
Building custom software can lead to complexity and maintenance challenges, making established SaaS solutions more appealing despite the rise of DIY options.
AI's economic impact may lead to unexpected prosperity by creating new opportunities and reducing costs, enhancing consumer purchasing power and overall economic activity.
Jensen Huang's leadership at Nvidia teaches the importance of relentless innovation, accountability, and high standards for achieving business success.
This post shares intriguing insights on AGI, investing, longevity, and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in science, challenging conventional assumptions.
Innovative ideas often face skepticism due to current constraints, but focused efforts can turn the impossible into the inevitable.
The post argues that companies must choose to be either infrastructure or applications, as the middleware role is disappearing in the tech landscape.
Evaluating startup opportunities requires understanding if trends are both inevitable and imminent, as timing is crucial for success.
Prioritizing velocity over speed in startups ensures that rapid actions are aligned with clear goals, preventing wasted resources and fostering meaningful progress.
5.1The Only Moat That Matters
2024-12-07 • strategy entrepreneurship moat execution
Relentless execution is the true differentiator for founders, creating unbreakable business moats over time through consistent improvement and adaptation.
Investment in national security should extend beyond defense tech to include a robust economy, effective government, and a resilient society for a comprehensive approach.
Delta's SkyMiles program will now prioritize spending over miles flown, highlighting a shift towards fintech profits in customer loyalty strategies.
The future of white-collar work will prioritize relationship-building and trust over technical skills due to the widespread use of AI tools.
AI could transform our free time into opportunities for immersive experiences and creativity through innovative 'Time Absorption Platforms' as menial tasks are automated.
Founders must thoroughly explore competition, TAM, buyer dynamics, and financial outlooks to ensure their business's long-term success and viability.