Steps to Becoming a Unicorn: Tech Startup Insights by Alisa Cohn

Discover the secrets to building a tech unicorn, including the importance of strong company culture, intentional leadership, and strategic partnerships, from founder and startup coach Alisa Cohn.

Key takeaways
  • To build a unicorn, focus on creating a strong company culture that sets you apart.
  • Identify what your culture is and make sure it’s intentional, not just happy vibes.
  • To join a company and influence its culture, surround yourself with people who share your values.
  • It’s important to have a good culture in place before scaling, as it’s hard to change it later.
  • Founders who have a strong company culture are more likely to build a unicorn.
  • The most important relationships are your co-founder and customers; focus on creating a strong bond with them.
  • Doing what others won’t do is key to building a unicorn.
  • Amazon’s culture is based on customer obsession, long-term operational rigor, and being frugal.
  • Founders who drop out of college are more likely to build a unicorn.
  • Unicorns require a high level of execution; building a company that can execute quickly is crucial.
  • To build a unicorn, surround yourself with people who are hungry, humble, and happy.
  • Firing people is a difficult but necessary part of building a unicorn.
  • It’s essential to manage your psychology when building a unicorn, as it can be a high-pressure journey.
  • Having a strong measurable vision is important for building a unicorn.
  • To build a unicorn, focus on speed, accuracy, and managing your relationships with your co-founder and customers.
  • Building a unicorn takes time, patience, and perseverance.