Panel of Web Community Founders: Utter Defiance of the "Venture Capital" Model

At the CommunityNext conference I moderated this panel with the founders of six very successful web properties:

1. Akash Garg of hi5

2. Sean Suhl of Suicide Girls

3. Max Levchin of Slide

4. James Hong of HotorNot

5. Markus Frind of PlentyofFish

6. Drew Curtis of Fark

This is the most amusing panel that I’ve ever moderated, and the speakers defied many conventions of tech entrepreneurship—in particular the ones that venture capitalists believe are “proven.” If you’d like to learn how these companies became successful without “proven teams, proven technology, and proven business models,” you’ll love this video.

Here’s a little factoid that blew my mind: both Fark and PlentyofFish have only one employee!

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Comments

[Wendy Piersall :: eMom]

One Employee...

One Employee?!

You know, I didn't even realize the self-imposed limitations I had going on in my head until I read that sentence.

I think I just experienced a life-altering 'Ah-Ha' moment.

I had better go get to work!

(ps - as always, thanks for the inspiration!! :) )

[Jody]

Hi Guy. Thanks for this, while I've only had time to check out the first couple of minutes, it is very interesting... I will be checking out the rest over the weekend when I have more time. I love the fact that it laid back. It makes for a more entertaining panel and presentation. Great stuff. Can't wait to see you here in Kelowna.

[noah kagan]

Thanks for moderating Guy. You definitely kicked some ass!

Cheers,
Noah

PS> I posted the Threadless video on CommunityNext.com

[Dave]

that was definitely one of the best panels i've ever seen. great job guy :)

(and kudos to Noah for the conference... fantastic job!)

[Yakito]

thanks guy

[Josh]

Is there any chance of getting an audio-only version of this? I'd love to listen to it, but the only time I have is when I'm commuting. An MP3 would let me put it on my iPod and listen to it on the way to work.

Either way, your blog is great. Thanks!

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I'll ask. I didn't shoot the video.

Thanks,

Guy

[Lary Stucker]

The timing could not have been better. Our site www.EpicUnderground.com is the "YouTube" of Action-sports and we do not have a large staff or a "proven team." It's not action-sports, but thanks for posting this great video!

-Lary

[Untitled Subscription]

Hi Guy!

I am glad I did not unsubscribe from your feed!

Great video.

[Brilliances.com]

Nice! Great panel of internet celebrities. Thx for sharing

[John Dodds]

Magnificent.

[Morgan Ramsay]

Wow, Guy. Y'know, there's a big difference between providing great content and great content you created. I'd say this video is comparable to your best ovation-worthy speech. You're in the in-crowd. You're cool now. ;)

[Rick]

With Sean and Drew, how could it not be an amusing panel? I think they definitely loosened things up and made the others much more open as well.