← Knowledge Base

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.