Startups Many different types of people are attracted to Confreres. They can be CEOs, ex-CEOs, financial executives, angel investors, technology executives, marketing and sales executives and a wide range of professionals. Many of them like helping young companies. Why? Perhaps it's because they like seeing new investment opportunities before others. We think the true underlying reason is that startups are the most fun to help... and the results more spectacular. If you are an early stage company we encourage you to follow our recommendations below for working with both Confreres and non-Conferers helpers. Early Critical Needs Startups typically have critical needs for various types of resources. Resources such as new distribution channels, new customers, new technologies and products, various types of industry specific or generic expertise and skill sets, debt financing, equity capital and different types of partners. High Mortality Rates Startups have high mortality rates. This is often because they don't have access to critical resources early on when they most need them. Incent Others to Deliver Key Resources to Your Startup We encourage those Confreres who are launching startups, to reserve a material portion of their equity to award to people (not just fellow Confreres) who help obtain early critical resources when they are most needed. For example it's often very difficult for a startup to get its first three major customers... often securing such accounts requires preexisting personal relationships. Let the people who can help you with early critical resources know you are prepared to reward them for going the extra mile to secure these resources for you.