The closer we get to Web Summit Conference in Lisbon, the more my calendar fills with things like “pitch practice,” “side event RSVP,” and “order backup chargers.” And the more I realize… this isn’t just about our startup showing up strong. It’s about me  showing up strong. This is my first time attending Web Summit as the founder of an Alpha Startup. ZillyPlanet, our adaptive STEM learning platform, is in the mix this year as part of the Impact Startups group. Which means ye

Many founders treat unit economics  like flossing, something they know they should do, but somehow never get around to. They tell themselves it’s too early. They’ll “get to it after launch.” Or they assume it’s only relevant once investors start asking for CAC-to-LTV ratios in spreadsheets color-coded by existential dread. But here’s the truth: understanding your unit economics early, when your startup is still running on hope, hustle, and ramen, can save you from scaling los

When vision sits above execution with nothing in between, each function fills the void with its own logic. Product chases requests. Sales pursues quick wins. Operations plugs gaps. Activity rises, compounding falls. The missing link is a small set of company objectives that translate vision into what must happen this year. The Tool: Vision and Strategic Objectives Map A one-page bridge between where you’re going and what you will achieve in the next 12–18 months. List three t