Run Tech Club

🚀 DON’T GIVE UP! In 2005, Y Combinator revolutionized the startup world. Fast forward to 2025, and Run Tech Club is set to do the same. Here's why: Y Combinator is the GOAT 🐐 when it comes to sourcing world-class founders (think AirBnb, Dropbox, Stripe) and helping them find product-market fit. But here's the truth that every founder faces: “Doing things that don’t scale” — #YC's mantra — is essential, but it’s also brutal. Paul Graham himself acknowledges that many give up during the journey because it takes unbelievable belief, courage, and resilience. 🛑 Reality Check: Product-market fit rarely happens in 3 months. The key to success isn’t just about grit — it's about playing the long game. Founders need to challenge their own beliefs, develop radical self-awareness, and embrace raw honesty with themselves. Just like elite athletes, top founders often go through the toughest moments alone, putting in the work before anyone believes in them. 💡 So what's the secret? We’ve found that some of the best founders were once athletes. Why? Because the mindset that drives elite athletes — decision-making, endurance, feedback, and growth — is exactly what’s needed in the startup world. There is nothing more powerful than a community of entrepreneurs and athletes who are committed to doing hard things together. 💥 The result? Vision Lab - a framework that leverages the athlete mindset and assembled top business leaders (behind Apple, Pixar, Roblox, Instacart, Box, Udemy, WebMD, Health 2.0) and elite athlete coaches to help founders address the tension between conviction and growth. Vision Lab 2025 (VLAB25) is now open — designed for entrepreneurs who dare to push beyond their limits, challenge their thinking, and build the future. See comment below to get started. A few things to know: ✅ You are not too early for us ✅ Start with an evaluation form + onboarding call ✅ No rigid timelines. Rolling enrollment. We work around you ✅ Maximum 1% equity → Seed / Series A ✅ Access to investors and venture advisory ✅ Plays nice with accelerators ✅ Here for the long run #Startups #Entrepreneurship #FounderMindset #VisionLab2025 #Growth #Leadership #Resilience #VC #Innovation #AthleteMindset

On Sunday, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon in NYC at 4:01:18. Running 26.2 miles through the city’s streets was both exhilarating and humbling, pushing my resilience and determination to new heights. Those miles reminded me so much of the venture capital and startup journey. Just like running a marathon, building companies and backing founders requires grit, patience, and a deep sense of purpose. Here are some lessons I took from the 750+ training miles that got me here and from race day itself: 1. Preparation is Key: Marathon day is only the final chapter of months of training—the early mornings, setbacks, and small wins along the way. In VC and startups, it’s the same. The relentless diligence, refining pitches, and countless iterations behind the scenes lay the foundation for any success we ultimately celebrate. 2. Embrace the Hills: NYC’s course is famous for its hills, and there’s no shortcut around them. In the startup journey, too, challenges test us. These uphill stretches demand everything we’ve got but ultimately build the resilience that makes reaching the finish line so meaningful. 3. The Power of Community: In the toughest miles, NYC’s crowd—and my incredible training friends—became fuel, lifting me up when I needed it most. Seeing familiar faces along the course, friends who’d been there through the early mornings and long runs, was everything. It’s a reminder of the support and strength we give each other, whether in training or in the world of venture and startups. We may each be on our own path, but we’re all stronger when we have others cheering us on. 4. Stay Focused, But Enjoy the Journey: It’s easy to get fixated on the finish line, but the real value is in every mile along the way. In VC, just like in running, each step forward is a moment to learn, reflect, and grow. Being present through the journey is what makes reaching the goal truly rewarding. 5. Stay Positive and Keep Smiling: Even through the hardest miles, I learned the power of a positive mindset. Smiling, staying focused, and finding joy in each moment—especially when things get tough—keeps the journey light. In the world of VC and startups, we’re all navigating challenges, and staying positive is an advantage that helps us keep moving forward. Crossing that finish line was an unforgettable moment. But I know I’ll be back to break 4 hours next time, with even more focus and drive. Here’s to more marathons—both on the pavement and in the startup world—and to everyone who’s been part of this journey. Thank you to all who inspire and support me along the way!! 🚀 Onto the next...

Run Tech Club x DTLA This coming Monday (/Veterans Day) at 5pm, Samantha Tabone (GP Focalpoint Partners) will be piloting our first open run in the Arts District. This is for entrepreneurs and creatives based in mid town/downtown, who are looking to network and grow with others who are also building cool things. Our goal as always is to learn about your projects, challenges, and to offer mentorship and support. To start, we'll be exploring themes at the intersection of creativity and technology. You do NOT need to be in tech to join! We welcome all disciplines and sectors. Dare to run with it! 11/11 5pm DTLA / Arts District Slow jam ~3 miles or less (run or walk) https://lu.ma/wa42y268 cc #dtla Greycroft Focalpoint Partners LSE Generate USC Marshall School of Business Dana Settle Chloe Towns Pragma Eden Chen Braven Greenelsh