During this time I learned the most important rule of raising money privately: Look for a market of one. You only need one investor to say yes, so it… - Ben Horowitz

the most important rule of raising money privately: Look for a market of one. You only need one investor to say yes, so it’s best to ignore the other thirty who say “no.

Look for a market of one. You only need one investor to say yes, so it’s best to ignore the other thirty who say “no.

By far the most difficult skill I learned as a C.E.O. was the ability to manage my own psychology. Organizational design, process design, metrics, hiring and firing were all relatively straightforward skills to master compared with keeping my mind in check.

Furthermore, each attribute enhances all three. If people trust you, they will listen to your vision even if it is less articulate. If you are super-competent, they will trust you and listen to you. If you can paint a brilliant vision, people will be patient with you as you learn the CEO skills and give you more leeway with respect to their interests.

Unrelenting confidence was necessary.