Cultural sensitivity isn't just for international sales. Within the U.S., local passions like college football function like a religion, influencing everything from wedding schedules to acceptable conversation topics. Misunderstanding these hyperlocal norms can be as damaging as a major international faux pas.

The ideal founder archetype starts with deep technical expertise and product sense. They then develop exceptional business and commercial acumen over time, a rarer and more powerful combination than a non-technical founder learning the product.

The stereotype of the brilliant but socially awkward tech founder is misleading. Horowitz argues that the most successful CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, and Elon Musk are actually "very smart about people." Those who truly lack the ability to understand others don't reach that level of success.

Growing up in the Midwest instills humility and strong relationship-building skills, assets in venture capital. However, this can translate into a lack of aggression and pushiness, a potential handicap in the hyper-competitive Silicon Valley environment where it can lead to missed opportunities early on.

Culture isn't about values on a wall; it's about daily habits enforced by memorable rules. Ben Horowitz argues that rules need "shock value," like A16z's policy of fining partners $10 per minute for being late to a founder meeting. This makes the underlying principle—respect—unforgettable and non-negotiable.

A successful startup often resembles a cult, requiring a leader who communicates their vision with unwavering, first-person conviction. Hiding the founder behind polished PR spokespeople is a mistake; it neuters the contagious belief required to recruit talent and build a movement against impossible odds.

Culture isn't created by top-down declarations. It emerges from the informal stories employees share with each other before meetings or at lunch. These narratives establish community norms and create "shared wisdom" that dictates behavior far more effectively than any official communication from leadership.

The most valuable, long-term relationships at conferences are not made during official sessions but in informal settings like dinners or excursions. Actively inviting people to these outside activities is key to building deeper connections that last for years.

Instead of choosing between tech hubs like Austin and San Francisco, founders can adopt a hybrid model. Spend a concentrated period (1-3 months) in a high-density talent hub like SF to build domain expertise and relationships, then apply that capital back in a lower-cost home base.