Weekend Reading
Writing worth reading 2nd/3rd Aug 2025
Why DOGE’s Luke Farrior Followed Elon Musk to DC by Susan Berfield, Margi Murphy and Jason Leopold
“Farrior was an inquisitive, uncommonly talented and sometimes obsessive young man. He had opportunities. He had people who cared about him, and those people had ideas of what he might achieve. Their ideas had nothing to do with Washington. Maybe Farrior didn’t know that his decision to help the man he so admired try to slash government spending would mean disappearing from his own life, working secretively but appearing in court documents. That it would mean disappointing and angering some, thrilling others. That in trying to solve one problem, he would play a part in creating chaos and distress and fear. Those he knew would not always be spared. His community in Lincoln would be cleaved. Maybe, some in his hometown say, he didn’t know there would be consequences.…”
Q2 2025 Investor Letter: Zoom Out—A View from the Edge of Transformation by The Night view Team
“We are already beginning to see it. AI models are now designing proteins, writing software, accelerating scientific discovery, generating art, analyzing legal contracts, and augmenting human intelligence across every industry from agriculture to aerospace. These aren’t niche applications. They’re the scaffolding of a new economy…”
Startup Seed Raising Skilzzz by Kona_Tbone
“ABC’s – Always Be Closing: At the end of every meeting, get a clear understanding of where they stand on your deal opportunity. Shoot for getting an amount they would be interested in investing. You won’t usually get a commitment on the first meeting but do not accept vagueness. Get a clear idea of where they stand, and what next steps might be to move them through the pipeline. Hypotheticals are also useful: When I lock on my lead investor, how much would you be interested in investing?”
Founders (need) Focus
This week we shared that we’re starting Founders Focus, a new membership program from 9others; a space for you to carve out time to work on the hard things that really matter. Check out the announcement here.
What does it do?
Founders Focus keeps you focused, accountable and connected.
Who it’s for?
Founders Focus will suit Solo Founders, Remote (Co) Founders, and Freelancers, CxOs and Side Hustlers.
Qs?
Read more and check out the FAQs on the 9others Notion, here.
We hope you’ll join us.