Partner @a16z | head of GTM @speedrun | I help early-stage founders sell their products | tidsoptimist
LA // SF
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Need more reasons to apply for @speedrun 007? How about access to enterprise buyers and hands-on sales training? Sound too good to be true? It's not.
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a16z @speedrun gives founders up to $1Mโฆ but traction? Thatโs where our BD team comes in:
โก Intros to top customers
โก $5M+ in credits (AWS, GCP, OpenAI, Anthropic, NVIDIA, Deel + more)
โก Hands-on GTM from day 0
๐ฅ Hear from our founders + apply now speedrun006.a16z.com/e6
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Trying to break through the noise with your @speedrun app? These scouts have announced in the past week and want to help you join speedrun!
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If I was a Green Bay fan, I would not feel successful after that win for one second. #NFL
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YOU ONLY HAVE 1.5 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY TO @speedrun.
Here is the latest roundup of scouts who have announced on social and want to help you get in.
What are you waiting for?
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Friendly reminder... only a few days left to get your @a16z @speedrun application in to spend your Q1 in SF with us.
speedrun006.a16z.com/mx
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I hear @speedrun is trendy on x right now - guess what ya'll I work on it every single day and yes, it lives up to it's hype ๐๐๐
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I AM HIRING!! Come work on @a16z @speedrun.
If you are a GTM/PLG leader and want to join the most fun team out there helping the best early stage founders in the world at the most crucial point of their startup journey, apply here: a16z.com/about/jobs/?gh_jid=โฆ
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๐ก On Oct 10 @ #SFTechWeek weโre hosting the @a16z @speedrun AI Faire in SF.
โก 25 cutting-edge AI startups
โก Hands-on demos, no panels
โก Admission is limited, this is for execs & operators
If you want to see how AI is reshaping every job, youโll want to be there.
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5 hours of pitch practice with the @speedrun founders โ
Next up: demo day!
Letโs get it tomorrowwwwww
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Thatโs a wrap on @speedrun AI faire! Thanks everyone for joining.
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Achievement pending: be the reason someone joins @speedrun
Help me unlock it ๐
q. what's unqiue about @speedrun?
a. the โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ operating team
case in point: @_CallMeMacy
Macy helped @nativ_app with:
- refining the pitch
- getting WARM INTROS (during AND after)
- pricing strategy
- free lunches :)
- random laughs
no other program matches this energy.
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Wondering if you're a "fit" for the @a16z @speedrun AI Faire on Friday 10/10 during #SFTechWeek?
@EmlynThompsonLA and I are here to help you figure it out! (& @DougMcCracken)
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Packed house for โInvesting in the Future: A conversation with women foundersโ at @a16z by @speedrun and The 98 - such good insights @gurunandinisays @madelinehpark @JoyMarcus @Techweek_ #LATechWeek
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What actually counts as traction?
Itโs one of the biggest questions I hear from founders โ and the truth is, traction isnโt one-size-fits-all. It depends on how long youโve been building.
I break it down into 4 levels, from pipeline โ ARR. And remember it's a step ladder: Level 1 is still traction. Donโt discount it. Every company starts there.
๐ฅ I go deeper on all 4 levels in this short video.
Also: @a16z @Speedrun apps are open. If youโre building, or even thinking about it, apply here: speedrun006.a16z.com/mx. Iโd love to work with you on moving up the levels and hitting the traction that matters by demo day ๐
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SR005 Progress day happening at @speedrun - the investors are all front row giving founders real time pitch feedback
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The calm before the storm. Last practice for the @speedrun 5 cohort before demo day tomorrow ๐๐ #SFTechWeek is in full swing
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One of the things Iโve learned working for @andrewchen is to always think about going bigger than you think you should; something I do my best to implement for myself but also teach to founders.
Big changes = big impact.
Small changes = small impact.
Donโt walk before you run - sprint :)
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If you are pre-launch and don't have a landing page getting people's email addresses on a waitlist, tell me why not?
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I'm proud to announce that I'll be judging the inauguralย @chromaawards - an "Olympics" of AI Film, Music Videos, and Games!
Backed by @elevenlabs, @freepik, @fal, @googlecloud, @dreamina_ai, and @capcutapp, the competition isย offering $175,000 in cash prizes to help unite emerging technology and creative technology
Submitย todayย atย ChromaAwards.com/. I can't wait to see what you build! #ChromaAwards #LATechWeek @Techweek_
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With @speedrun you can have your cake and eat it too. Can anyone guess whose face Iโm eating? ๐ค
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So excited to be co-hosting this event with @speedrun x The 98.
This will be a panel about the founding and fundraising journey with some of our brightest founders:
โจ @gurunandinisays - cofounder of @joinsitch
โจ @madelinehpark - cofounder of Vega
โจ Katherine Sizov - founder of Strella
โจ Lindsey Chrismon - cofounder of Oply
RSVP here to join us on Thursday, October 16, in Santa Monica: partiful.com/e/VwxQQmAH0kDv4โฆ
@Techweek_ @SamiraBehrouzan @EmlynThompsonLA
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2 hours left to apply to @speedrun.
This is not a drill.
If not now, when?
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First real Wednesday without the @speedrun founders in the LA office โน๏ธโน๏ธ we miss yโall SR005!!
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My friend @NunoPLeiria said on the @speedrun Demo Day stage 6 months ago: "You can't fake this type of joy."
That's exactly how I feel looking at these pictures from the SR005 Demo Day Afterparty. The joy is palpable.
Proud is an understatement of this current batch of founders. They absolutely crushed it this week. Sad that this batch is done, but if these pictures show anything it's that once you're a speedrun founder, you're always part of the family.
Loved catching up with founders old and new so far this week during @Techweek_ WEEK by @a16z. #SFTechWeek
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Sry for my way too fast video movement lol - but damn @speedrun 5 founders absolutely crushed demo day today.
#SFTechWeek
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๐จ a16z @speedrun request for founders: the modern growth hackerย ๐จ
Distribution hacks change every few years. Airbnb growth hacked Craigslist, Zynga growth hacked Facebook. Whatโs next?
Hereโs the current meta that many are missing: clip-farming. Find an army of micro-influencers, have them film hundreds of types of content testing everything from hooks to color to text position, programmatically figure out whatโs likely to go viral, and then rinse and repeat. One founder I know spent $2K and got 10M+ views in a week driving thousands of high intent downloads. Amazing CPI.
This strategy works because social media has changed from follower based graphs (news feed on Facebook, follower feed on instagram) to algorithm based graphs (for you page of TikTok). If youโre blessed by the algorithm and create good content, anyone can go viral. No need to pay top influencers top dollar.
That means content creation is much more democratized. That means CPMs can be way lower if you can arbitrage talent thatโs great at content creation but not big yet.
Of course, this isnโt going to be a long term sustainable channel. Every channel gets crowded over time. I doubt this strategy will work a year from now.
But if youโre thinking on the frontier of the next great growth hack, come join @speedrun. And if youโve cracked 10M+ views in the last month, we should talk.
Remember, attention is all you need.
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How fostering dogs is the same as early-stage sales:
1. They both require infinite patience. You think youโve made progress, then they pee on the rug (or churn in week 3).
2. You fall in love fast, then you remember this is not a forever deal.
In sales: not every lead is your future whale. Love them, nurture them, but stay emotionally flexible.
3. The ones who seem the least interested at first often become the most loyal.
That โjust browsingโ prospect? Might end up your biggest champion, they just need space and consistency.
4. You have to be okay with unpredictability. You may think you know how a customer, or a dog, will act in a certain situation, but they may surprise you!
5. You canโt take it too seriously. Itโs meant to be fun. ๐
Currently applying these lessons daily with my 12-week-old foster Pudding (pictured) and at a16z @speedrun, helping founders navigate their own โpuppy chaos phaseโ of GTM.
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I've got 3 fresh @speedrun companies to show you this Thursday!
Sign up to tune in: bit.ly/a16zsrfirstlook
This Webinar is for folks who want to see how early-stage startups are changing how we do Sales, Product Management, and Cloud Development.
Hope to see you there ๐
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What a fun @Techweek_ event at #NYTechWeek with @andrewchen and @scottbelsky chatting about where AI meets Creativity at The Roxy! @speedrun @Adobe
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Still absolutely buzzing from our @speedrun AI Faire last Friday during #SFTechWeek! We had a line around the block to come see the 29 hottest startups building in AI. The day wouldn't be complete without churros, popcorn, and AI Faire Candy Bar Power Banks.
The @a16z team thought we were crazy when @andrewchen, @EmlynThompsonLA, and I asked if we can let 1,000 people into our HQ. ๐ Thank you to our workplace experience, security, IT, legal teams, and everyone else who made this event possible.
Thanks to all the execs and operators who stopped by. Sorry we ran out of swag early, but Andrew stepped up by signing copies of The Cold Start Problem!
We already can't wait for the next one! ๐ซก
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Only way to end #LATechWeek ? The new @ErewhonMarket smoothie ๐คค OG goth smoothie by @SmashingPumpkin
@Techweek_
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Last week during LA @Techweek_ our @speedrun team co-hosted "Imagination x Innovation: Techโs Role in the Future of Entertainment" with @ComcastVentures โ at maybe the coolest venue ever: the Universal Studios backlot.
Heard from great minds like @mjlbach, founder/CEO of SR002 company @hedra_labs, and Bill Ballew, CTO of @Dreamworks (fun throwback to my Unity days).
Huge thanks to the Comcast Ventures crew for making it happen โ and to my partner in crime @SamiraBehrouzan for always jumping in.
When do we start the countdown to next yearโs #LATechWeek? ๐
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SR003 @speedrun Demo Day was a huge successโฆ loved seeing our most recent cohort โgraduateโ yesterday! Congrats to the founders and the awesome team at @a16zGames that put this on ๐ #SFTechWeek
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๐ Streaming LIVE from Santa Monica this Thursday ๐
Want a first look at the AI tools changing how businesses work? Introducing: @a16z @speedrun First Look series.
Join me + 3 ๐ฅ founders from the new batch (SR005) for live demos + Q&A.
๐
Thurs 8/7
โฐ 9AM PT
๐ RSVP โฌ๏ธ
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Whoโs ready for @speedrun LA?
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Ya know I wanna post pics of our @speedrun swag for AI faire tomorrow so badddd but I think Iโll keep it a surprise ๐๐
#SFTechWeek
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10 California Restaurants got their 1st (or 2nd) @Michelin star this week โจ
I present to you their dishes matched to Gaming Company logos (in thread ๐)
Guess each restaurant featured! ๐ค
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Founders always ask what we do in our โoff-Speedrunโ time, as if we just close our laptops and go sit on a beach somewhere. ๐ฅฒ
The reality is there is no @speedrun off-season. It takes a lot of work (and a lot of coffee) for our investors to pick the ~0.4% of companies that get in. Thousands of applications, hundreds of interviews, reference checks etc. Our investment team is incredible.
On the operating side, weโre building curriculum, planning programs and events, and making sure founders get the most out of their time with us. We are also meeting with partners: ensuring the founders have the best deals from our partner vendors and warming up folks for potential design partnerships.
This week the whole team is heading up to SF for our offsite, where we are spending the time to make sure our strategy is dialed in and that the next speedrun experience is better than ever.
So no, weโre not just chilling between cohorts. Weโre making it all happen. ๐๐๐
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Need some networking tips ahead of #SFTechWeek next week? @Techweek_
Don't worry I've gotchuuuu
see you at the @speedrun events? ๐
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I'm interviewing folks for the PLG role on the @speedrun team right now and 9/10 candidates 1st question is "what does success look like?"
I knew it was a common one (and a good one) but surprised at the density at which I hear this.. is ChatGPT driving this as people prep?
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Our dog, Poppy, passed away 2 months ago at only 4 years old. Itโs been a tough few months (understatement) but @madewithtaiyaki came through with a beautiful custom design of her that we can wear always. The Polaroids are the perfect touch. #yoursbydesign
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I think I can claim first live founder application at our @a16z @speedrun event at @Techweek_ - so cool to see folks apply in real time after being inspired by other founders attending! #nytw
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Amazing first day at LA @Techweek_ by @a16z ! Saw some amazing GenAI films at the Culver Cup by @AWSstartups and @fbrcai, using tech from @LumaLabsAI and more! Then dropped by a16zโs Welcome Party at Elephante!
So many more events to go to this week! full cal below๐
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Early-stage founders: trying to decide which basic revenue metrics you should be tracking? ARR or ACV?
It may take some time before you start closing annual deals, but knowing the difference between ARR and ACV can help you properly communicate to your investors! (1/5)
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Stuck on your B2B Pricing Model? SIMPLICITY IS KEY.
So many founders try to overcomplicate their pricing to account for all the variables involved. How about make it as easy as possible for your customer to say "YES!"?
Follow along for more B2B & Sales Tips
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2 years. 2 million hairs. Brand new technology, and you finally have the magic that is Sullivan from Monsters, Inc.
๐งต๐งต๐งต
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LA Speaker Series kicked off in style by @andrewchen and @speedrun founders @SalarShahini & @Eb33la1 ๐คฉ @a16z Santa Monica
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I had a blast filming ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐2๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ข๐ง๐ ! The full video is now live on @speedrun's Youtube channel (link below)! But honestly, these bloopers may be the best part? lol
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The @Techweek_ team just wrapped up the 2nd ever SF & 3rd LA Tech Week; both breaking attendance and event records! 12,000 events and 45,000 attendees ๐คฏโฆ congrats to @KatiaAmeri, @ShrikalaKashyap, and Rose!
As a first timer, below are my highlights: ๐
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Want a private demo of @floraai with @weberwongwong, along with 4 other cutting edge AI demos? Join me for an exclusive virtual demo day with some of the hottest @speedrun startups.
a16z-games.typeform.com/to/oโฆ
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Deadline is TODAY for hosting an event at SF and LA @Techweek_!
Submit your event here: tech-week.com/host
I've had a blast hosting VIP dinners, panels, and even hoping to replicate the @a16z @speedrun AI Faire from yesterday! Can't wait for October!
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๐จ Going live in a few hours!
The OG a16z Speedrun team is answering ALL your questions at 5pm PT.
Who says VCs are unapproachable? ๐
Sign up โ link in comments
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Heading to sf for @speedrun 004! Feeling a little more prepared than SR003, mentally but also thisโฆ I present you Speedrun nails ๐
๐ see all you amazing founders tomorrow! @a16zGames
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๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ 17: Your front-row seat to the future of AI x Media & Entertainment ๐จ
This is your ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ to join our Virtual AI Showcase featuring live demos from 4 incredible founders from the most recent @a16z @speedrun program!
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Welp, that was incredible. @Adele in Vegas. See it before itโs too late (8 more shows!)
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2 things:
1. I wear company swag when you give it to me ๐๐
2. I lost my mind and am fostering 4 3-week old puppies (with all my free time ๐คฃ)
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Congrats @weberwongwong ! Let's go to the moon ๐
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Come hang out with me and the @speedrun team in NY!
Some of my faves:
๐จ ๐16๐ณ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ง ๐ฑ ๐๐๐จ๐๐: ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ w/ @andrewchen and @scottbelsky speaking! (Thurs, 6/5) bit.ly/4cUmYTm
๐ฉโ๐ปย ๐2๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ w/ meeee (Wed, 6/4): bit.ly/42RQ1lY
๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ w/ the whole speedrun team (Mon, 6/2): bit.ly/44bzHPf
๐ฝ NY Tech Week 2025 is LIVE and itโs our biggest launch ever! ๐
- 800+ events (and counting!) across the city.
- Happening June 2-8.
You can now register for all events below โฌ๏ธ
#NYTechWeek
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Also I saw @RunRehearsals swag too and youโre not gonna wanna miss itโฆ
Ya know I wanna post pics of our @speedrun swag for AI faire tomorrow so badddd but I think Iโll keep it a surprise ๐๐
#SFTechWeek
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Two airport run ins within 30 seconds. @NatBarling of @a16z and Kieran Donovan, CEO of @k_idofficial ๐ฅ๐ฅ Happy Friday from LAX yaโll
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See my gaming friends on Thursday at #LATechWeek for a special VIP @speedrun x Mirage Happy Hour. This is part of @Techweek_ and one that shouldn't be missed if you work in games!
partiful.com/e/tanIgudI86xkOโฆ
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B2B FOUNDERS: Yes, pricing is difficult! But don't sell yourself short!
There are tips and tricks that can help get you started. Here's my first video of many I'll be posting on B2B pricing for early-stage startups ๐
#b2bpricing #founderledsales
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Wondering which @Techweek_ events to go to if youโre in the Games, Media, or Entertainment space? Check out this cheat sheet that Caitlin and @ShrikalaKashyap from our @a16zGames team put together! Let us know if weโre missing any โจ
docs.google.com/spreadsheetsโฆ
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Great kickoff event for #SFTW tonight! @Techweek_ is back and stronger than ever in the Bay! ๐๐๐
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So much fun interviewing Steve May, CTO of @Pixar this week! We chatted about his first "game" being published in 1984 in Antic magazine by Atari, to grooming Sulley's 2 mil hairs in Monsters inc, to the whale belly scene in Nemo.
Follow along for vid clips coming soon!
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๐จ WEโRE RUNNING IT BACK ๐จ
Next Thursday: another live @speedrun Webinar โ featuring 3 new a16z speedrun companies.
This round: live demos on the Future of Work ๐งโ๐ป๐ค
If youโre curious how AI is reshaping the workforce, this oneโs for you.
๐ Sign up: bit.ly/a16zsrfirstlook
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Biggest networking hack for #NYTechWeek ? Have your LinkedIn QR code as your background on your phone. Makes connecting quick and easy for everyone involved. @Techweek_
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