Companies should avoid overpaying for talent during rapid growth, as it can create unsustainable salary expectations that are difficult to reverse later.

Founders need to ensure employees are paid at least minimum wage, which in San Francisco is about $2,000 a month.

When hiring, prioritize finding the best talent and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed, rather than focusing solely on cost-cutting measures.

Raise what you need and nothing more; you will find a way to spend all the money in your bank, so stay lean and focus on getting your fundamentals right.

It's important to maintain frugality and avoid the unconscious pressure to overspend after raising funds, as this can lead to a bloated company structure and increased financial demands. To successfully scale a startup, you need to raise money while maintaining discipline, scrappiness, and frugality.

I should ensure that every founding team member receives a salary they need to live, while also providing them with equity to motivate their hard work.

Startups must remain frugal to avoid dependency on investors and maintain control over their operations.

Don't misuse investor funds; spend wisely and avoid extravagant expenses like gambling.

If you don't deserve money right now, consider alternative paths like cutting burn and striving for break-even, which can create leverage for future funding.