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QConSF 2024: From Staff Platform Engineer to a16z Founder

Handouts and templates from Glo's QCon San Francisco 2025 talk. Practical frameworks for platform engineers transitioning to startup founders.

10 resources

TLDR; Essential Resources ↗

Everything mentioned in the talk, plus extras. Books, newsletters, tools, templates, and frameworks for platform engineers becoming founders.

30-60-90 Day Startup Plan ↗

A comprehensive 90-day framework for early-stage founders. Week-by-week guidance on customer validation, metrics setup, and scaling decisions.

Cofounder Question Framework ↗

The 5 essential conversations to have before committing to a cofounder relationship. Includes equity splits, decision-making, and alignment frameworks.

Customer Validation Template ↗

A structured 12-week program for validating customer problems and finding product-market fit through systematic customer discovery.

Due Diligence Checklist ↗

Platform engineer's approach to customer validation. Use the same rigor you apply to tool evaluation for validating startup ideas.

Legal Checklist for Startups ↗

Complete legal setup checklist for new startups. Incorporation, IP protection, agreements, and compliance requirements.

Metrics Dashboard Template ↗

Essential startup metrics dashboard template. Track revenue, growth, retention, unit economics, and operational health.

Mission, Vision, Values Workshop ↗

Workshop framework for defining mission, vision, and values. Create a cultural foundation that guides decisions and attracts talent.

Portfolio Allocation Framework ↗

Framework for portfolio allocation and delegation. When to hire, what to delegate, and how to scale your impact as a founder.

VALK Mapping Matrix ↗

Map your platform engineering skills to startup founder decisions. Understand how your technical background translates to business leadership.