Startup
“A startup is a temporary organization designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model.”
– Steve Blank
Where it Started
My passion for startups began more than a decade ago in the emerging Ottawa SaaS ecosystem. From 2005 to 2008, I worked as a startup consultant and actively engaged in the Ottawa startup community. I was the lead instigator for DemoCamp Ottawa from 2006 to 2009. Organizing DemoCamp and meeting with consulting clients in coffee shops was the inspiration for my own startup TheCodeFactory. You can read more about my startup experience here.
I offer two services to support startups; coaching and consulting. The key differences between coaching and consulting are; perspective and level of involvement. Coaching is high-level strategic advice for a couple of hours per month, while startup consulting is hands-on tactical support to help you find product-market fit.
How Can I Help?
Startup Coach
Need help seeing the forest for the trees? I offer startup coaching to help foster critical thinking and provide you with objective insights.
Startup Consultant
Need help finding product market fit? I offer several options to help startup founders find their first customers and get early sales.
My Startup Experience
In 2008 I leaped and started my own startup TheCodeFactory a coworking and event space. The business was essentially a startup of startups and has been through two iterations. Version 3.0 is currently a work in progress. My key learnings as a startup founder are; focus on customers, profitability, and managing cash flow. Do those three things well, and the rest will fall in place. Click here to learn more about my startup experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE STARTUP COACH IS A GOOD FIT?
Do you want help to find a product-market fit?
Do you need help to see the forest for the trees?
Do you value critical thinking and thoughtful questions?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a startup coach could be a good fit.
HOW DOES STARTUP COACHING WORK?
I offer 1-on-1 coaching with an experienced startup founder. I act as an outside, unbiased advisor to your company. Being an early-stage startup founder can be lonely, so it is reassuring to have a trusted advisor. One reason to have a startup coach is to provide you with perspective and help you see the forest for the trees. A wise person once said, “Perspective is everything!”
We meet once or twice a month for an hour(ish) to discuss your business. You bring the agenda and issues; I bring a decade of experience, critical thinking, and thoughtful questions.
HOW MUCH DOES STARTUP COACHING COST?
3-month introduction offer for $275 (plus HST)
HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
Please click the “get in touch” button on this page and fill out the form. I will reply to your inquiry within one business day (usually the same day).
You can also send an email to hello@ianpaulgraham.com