FounderNudge is a coaching agent for founders.
You email it what's on your mind. Every day it sends back the one essay, framework, or book that actually fits your moment — based on what you shared. It learns your patterns over time and gets sharper the more you use it. See a sample conversation below.
Founder Mode
— paulgraham.com
VP Eng search
How's the VP Eng search going? You mentioned it last week.
8 candidates, none click. Co-founder says I'm too picky. My gut says the bar matters.
On hiring standards
Your gut's right. The first VP sets the cultural gravity — picky early hiring compounds.
What feels off?
You said none click. What specifically feels wrong about the candidates?
They all want to build process immediately. I need someone who can still code AND manage. Investors say step back — but I lose the product when I do.
On investor pressure
Marty Cagan's case: empowered organizations don't require less management — they require better management. Gives you language for the board.
Still drifting when you delegate?
Has anything shifted, or still the same pressure from investors?
Every time I delegate, things drift. Am I a bad manager or is this just the stage?
Founder Mode
You're not a bad manager. Graham names exactly what your investors are asking you to give up — and why it's wrong at your stage.
Your turn
Your coaching agent. Built around what you share.
Email it what's on your mind. Every day it sends back the one read that fits your moment. The more you use it, the better it knows what you need.
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