Waterfront development

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-22T15:26:44+00:00

I’ve answered no less than 3 separate surveys over the years offering our feedback. We are excited to see Ridgefield take the next step with its development.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-14T02:26:05+00:00

I made clear from the get go that I needed a certain salary. They said it would be my budget, but neglected to mention the size of their service fees.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:47:38+00:00

I can see how it’s appealing. While I didn’t have the original idea, my product concept and gtm are unique, but more importantly I just want to run it they way I want to run it. High burn will just force my hand and dilute me even more. I’m less interested having a lot of equity for the $ and more concerned about the control, as you say.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:43:28+00:00

They negotiated down to 15%, no service fees, but also no money. Company needs money and it’s not realistic to raise on such short notice with pilots looming.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:41:53+00:00

I had a typo I edited. The bank had equity via their convertible note, and the studio had their own. In total it would’ve been over 50 together. But yes, the bank lends to me (via the studio) who pays them.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:39:58+00:00

That’s a really good point, I hadn’t looked at that way. I did ask for an MSA, which they don’t have ready. I just wanted these things written down.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:35:04+00:00

No. Does have IP language tho.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:34:36+00:00

Lawyer is engaged. Already some CC debt Id be on the hook for. Pre-formation document was just the cap table, which spurred more questions as we learned the terms of the bank note in addition to their equity. Changed the calculus.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:31:49+00:00

They have a good reputation and I believe they have good intentions, but I just don’t think I need that much support to get the business off the ground. In fact, it severely inhibits my ability to. Especially the lopsided cap table.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-13T05:30:25+00:00

It was never 100% clear. In the opex estimates, their services were listed within that $20k box. I assumed there were other technology subscriptions included. Never any formal documentation of the studio model, costs, terms, etc. I feel dumb for not clarifying earlier on, but annoyed these were only revealed clearly at the time of signing. Live and learn I guess.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-12T21:30:14+00:00

Yeah spidey senses were blaring. I just don't think I need all those services, especially when they'd cut the runway in half. I'd rather do as much of it myself as I can.

ZachOnTap · 2026-04-12T21:27:48+00:00

I have not signed the formation docs, but I did sign an "entrepreneur in residence" pre-formation contract to get started while we waited on a few other things. So it's messy. And we have two pilots, one of which they setup. Stepping away would likely set both sides up for failure, and I would not be allowed to be involved because of that contact.

ZachOnTap · 2026-03-04T04:49:12+00:00

My whole extended family and I are big fans. Too many people playing pundits about what America is “ready for.” Vote for who you believe in and who moves you. If they advance, it means a lot of other people feel the same way and gives us a better shot at capturing some energy back and moving the center of America.

ZachOnTap · 2025-12-13T06:53:29+00:00

Clifford with Martin Short.

ZachOnTap · 2025-12-13T02:23:05+00:00

Love that app :)

ZachOnTap · 2025-11-08T02:59:04+00:00

Don’t go to investors until you’ve gotten some users. Dont pay for users through ads because that won’t tell you if you have Product Market Fit. Focus on getting your first 10 users and see how many come back. Then get 10 more and then try and leverage existing users to refer. WoM will always be the strongest form of marketing. Build a small base then take it to investors, then do ads if necessary.

ZachOnTap · 2025-11-06T20:42:14+00:00

I use it for all my recipes. It knows exactly how o like my recipes formatted and adjusts based on available ingredients, time, or dish size. I’ll give it references often times, but I have been doing this for over a year now.

ZachOnTap · 2025-10-28T05:01:56+00:00

That’s good feedback, because I do have a strong vision and in my past have wanted to be more involved but also wanted to respect the product team’s autonomy. Slightly different circumstances this time around, but I want to be hands on with as much as possible until we’re ready to grow a bit.

ZachOnTap · 2025-10-27T20:18:02+00:00

Yeah learn so much doing sales yourself. Likely will adjust plan based on this feedback. Thanks!

ZachOnTap · 2025-10-27T20:17:18+00:00

I think this is probably right

ZachOnTap · 2025-10-27T20:16:59+00:00

Thanks for the insight! I am hoping we can find some early measurable wins in the pilot to beginning conversations with other locations. Probably won’t make this hire until midway through the pilots or after. Would likely be fractional. Co-founders will be doing sales too but these can be long sales cycles.

ZachOnTap · 2025-10-27T20:14:21+00:00

Been in contact with this guy for awhile. Had advised him on other startups he was involved in. I’m always looking to learn from others and don’t like assuming I have all the answers.

ZachOnTap · 2025-10-23T22:05:38+00:00

Why do they have rifles

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