Assumptions make an ass...

Hey friends 👋 We’re going deep on something that’s probably killing your startup right now: untested assumptions. Fresh off workshops with David Bland and our GrowTECH Fest session, we’re breaking down the assumption-to-evidence cycle that separates fundable startups from wishful thinking. Here’s what you need to know: A startup is literally just an organization searching for a business model. And this cycle—identify, define, design, measure, decide, repeat—IS that search. Master this, and you’ve cracked the code on what actually determines startup success. We walk through three real-world scenarios (okay, Claude made them up, but they’re painfully realistic): * The marketplace founder building supply before proving demand exists * The SaaS team building integrations instead of validating their go-to-market * The subscription service doubling down on “quality” without understanding why customers actually churn Each one shows how reasonable-sounding decisions can hide fatal assumptions. The pattern? Founders building solutions to problems they haven’t proven exist, for customers they haven’t validated will pay. Sound familiar? We break down exactly how to proportion your effort to your evidence, why customer interviews beat surveys every time, and how to spot the difference between interest and intent. Plus: Our Frivolous Thoughts segment covers barn burners, the Kings’ victory, and JDM’s questionable Dodgers fandom (Cameron is NOT pleased). Join us for a live recording on November 19th at the Carlson Center during Global Entrepreneurship Week—bring your toughest questions! —Cameron and JDM This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zerototraction.substack.com