Emilie Kormienko

If you are able to fund your research independently, and you’re willing to build your own support network, I think independent research is at least worth considering for those who might otherwise have done a PhD. If you’re thinking about this route, here are some of the building blocks that I found important to include.

Staking refers to the process of actively participating in transaction validation on a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain. In the context of Ethereum, stakeholders (called validators) contribute ETH to a staking pool in exchange for rewards in proportion to the size of their stake. The Ethereum network selects a winner based on the amount of ETH each... See more

Then, we decided to revisit fundraising (and do it differently). We set up an AngelList Roll-Up Vehicle (RUV). Through an RUV, any accredited investor can contribute, up to 250 individual investors in a single round. Our first step with the RUV was to email it to our customers. Why? Because fundamentally, I wanted to enrich the people that are... See more

Emotions are predictions the brain uses to prepare for what is coming next. 

Companies can also offer structural support, such as onsite day care, backup childcare with locations near work, babysitting referral services, eldercare support, financial planners, and wellness providers. Some HR departments now provide online resources that vet and list popular outsourcing options—housecleaning, laundry services, grocery... See more

Specifically, the franchise model allows businesses to monetize their brand equity and create new, high margin licensing products that provides leverage on its existing fixed costs. In the process, certain cost centers (like marketing spend) turn into revenue drivers (through trademark licensing). At this point, the business crosses the chasm of... See more

First, we pivoted, redefining our business. We “fired” all our unprofitable customers and sharpened the product specifically for power users. We borrowed against our receivables to keep growing without dilution. Little by little, the bet paid off, and we scaled our revenue 10x, from $70k/mo to $700k/mo.

A degree or credential doesn't necessarily mean someone is more creative in that field.

We leveraged the groundswell of support to close the round. By this point, we’d raised $2.3M without a single pitch meeting. It was a result of natural enthusiasm: taking care of the people who made us who we are, giving them the chance to move first, and letting their enthusiasm drive our leverage with VCs — who, by this point, got interested.