Embracing Turns: The Path to Progress

SDS 029: Embracing Turns: The Path to Progress (NYE 2023 Issue)

Hey! thank you for reading issue 029 of Startup Definition Sunday (SDS).

SDS is the newsletter for founders, bringing you clarity one actionable tip at a time.

SDS arrives every two weeks (you guessed it) on Sundays.

In every issue you can expect:

• 1 Definition of startup jargon

• 1 actionable tip you can implement right away

• 1 article you should read

• 1 gift for founders

Let's dive in:

(P.S. I'll never sell your information, ever)

Greetings!

Welcome to the final issue of the SDS for 2023.

I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the year, faithfully reading all 26 bi-weekly newsletters.

In case you missed the latest issue, you can find it here.

I just returned from a three-night solo retreat, an experience I had never tried before.

It provided a much-needed escape from the noise of everyday life.

During this time away, I had the opportunity to reflect on the past few years that have led me to this point of publishing a bi-weekly newsletter to you and 900 other individuals.

Wild.

A few years ago, my line brother Jeffrey shared some wisdom with me when my life felt chaotic and confusing. He said, "Progress is not linear."

Over time, I have discovered the truth in those words. Progress is not a straight line.

But, rather a culmination of significant turning points that shape the course of our journey.

In today's issue, I want to offer you a glimpse into 3 pivotal moments in my life that have brought me to where I am today.

Why should you care?

One reason: to encourage you in this upcoming New Year to embrace the unexpected in all your endeavors.

Turning point 1: In early 2020, I found myself working as a banker at Goldman Sachs, but feeling unfulfilled. I had a few ideas about what I wanted to do next, but lacked a clear direction. That's when I decided to hire a consultant I met online, who helped me navigate a transition away from banking. Through this process, I had the privilege of meeting Ashley L., one of the finest investors in Africa. With her guidance, I turned down a boutique investment banking job in London and returned home to work remotely for a relatively unknown company. Fast forward three years and a couple of job changes later, I now hold Ashley's previous position, and it has been the best decision I've ever made. Writing on Twitter and creating this newsletter are direct results of this job opportunity.

Turning point 2: In late 2021, I was determined to find a way to enter the world of venture capital. I sought advice from Patricia W., a European GP. I asked her, "How do I become an investor?" Her response was eye-opening: "Invest your own money in companies. You won't truly understand risk until your own money is at stake." Three months later, I made my first angel investment in a startup. Now, two years later, I have made 7 angel investments. Ultimately, I secured a job as an investor, and Patricia's words proved to be true—there's no better training ground than having a personal stake in the game. In 2024, I encourage you to have a personal stake in whatever endeavor you pursue.

Turning point 3: Early in 2022, I was hesitant to start publishing content on X (formerly Twitter). Many of the content creators I admired had their own newsletters, but I doubted whether I had anything valuable to share in that format. Then I crossed paths with Sohaib A., a former growth marketer turned content creator. We had a few friendly Zoom calls where he encouraged me to start my own newsletter. It took me three months to gather the courage to set up a newsletter and schedule the first issue to 48 people (shoutout to those early adopters). Now, 29 issues later, those initial calls with Sohaib have led to the highlight of every other Sunday for me - writing this newsletter.

Writing a newsletter that focuses on actionable tips leaves little room for unveiling the journey that led me here. However, the last day of the year is always an opportune time to reflect. I have a few exciting ideas for 2024 and I'm immensely proud of what I have accomplished in 2023. I can’t wait to share them with you.

If I may offer you my two pesewas amidst all the "2024 advice" flooding your inbox and timeline, it would be this: never underestimate the impact of a single event.

Whether you find yourself in church on NYE or dressed up with friends at Beit e Selam for a New Year's Eve dinner, I pray that 2024 brings you as much joy as it will bring me.

If you or someone you know should be receiving 2024 issues in their inbox, consider joining SDS so you don't miss exclusive sections in future editions.

If you only read one thing this week, read this...

Dr Ola Brown’s VC Outlook for 2024: "Time to Build! My venture capital outlook for 2024? ”

Why is it worth your time? Dr. Ola Brown provides a unique perspective by reviewing her predictions for 2023 before offering insights into the opportunities for building and investing in innovative companies in 2024. Her predictions for 2024 are aligned with how I think about the opportunity to be building and investing in innovative companies.

Founder's Corner

As an investor, I know how challenging it can be for founders to get noticed by angel investors, especially without the right connections.

That's why I created an inbound form to allow founders to share their decks directly with me. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete. By breaking the mold and providing an alternative way for founders to connect with investors, I hope to help level the playing field.

That's all for today! As always, thank you for being a fantastic reader.

Until we meet again in two weeks, here's how we can stay in touch:

• 🐦 Find me on Twitter

• 💬 Hit me up on Linkedin

• 💌 Email me

• 🚀 Sponsor SDS (Reply to this email)

I’ll see you next year,

Jasiel