Ryan Hoover Profile picture
Aug 22, 2023 9 tweets 3 min read Read on X
Introducing synthetic Ryan. He has something to share.
Our latest request for startup: Synthetic Humans

We’re interested in software that simulates the non-deterministic behavior and “human-ness” of people with the programmability, scalability, and delivery of bits.

This is best illustrated with examples…
Hallway (@join_hallway) makes it possible for people to transform into virtual characters and VTube without expensive, cumbersome motion capture equipment.
@join_hallway Outset (@OutsetAI) simulates the UX researcher, asking participants questions through a human-like conversational UI.
@join_hallway @OutsetAI HeyGen (@HeyGen_Official) creates virtual people (like synthetic Ryan) for sales pitches, marketing collateral, training videos, and more.

The traditional approach to filming people is 100x slower and more costly. Image
@join_hallway @OutsetAI @HeyGen_Official Roll (@roll_ai) enables everyone to film professional-level videos using the device in our pockets: an iPhone.

Software simulates a professional videographer with auto-panning, zooming, and wide shots remotely.
@join_hallway @OutsetAI @HeyGen_Official @roll_ai ElevenLabs (@elevenlabsio) turns text into human-like voices, in any language, offloading the need for voice actors and recording studios.
@join_hallway @OutsetAI @HeyGen_Official @roll_ai @elevenlabsio More examples and opportunities in synthetic human tech:



If you’re building in this space, DM or email me (ryan@weekend.fund). :)weekend.fund/request-for-st…
@join_hallway @OutsetAI @HeyGen_Official @roll_ai @elevenlabsio More about synthetic humans from @zebird0:

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More from @rrhoover

Aug 21, 2023
I recently hired an EA. Her name is Ida.

For years I was hesitant to hire help, unsure of what to offload. Tbh, I was lacking creativity.

Over the last few months Ida's helped me with a ton of personal and work projects.

Here are some examples… Image
1. Ops tasks at Weekend Fund

Ida makes sure our CRM and pipeline tracker is updated as we’re introduced to founders.

These entries take little time, but the context switching is costly. Systematizing this with Ida's help also ensures we don't drop the ball in our process.
2. The "junk drawer" of to-dos

Life introduces so many chores.

I would often procrastinate on things that aren’t urgent, leading to a pileup of tasks and a subtle buzz of stress.
Read 9 tweets
Aug 12, 2022
We pulled together 13 VC fund decks that successfully raised $500M+.

The latest edition of Signature Block includes a template, tips for your pitch, and links to all of the decks.

signatureblock.co/p/vc-fund-deck…
Credit to @vedikaja_in for spearheading this.

It's looooong, but hopefully useful for those preparing to raise a fund.
Read 4 tweets
Dec 21, 2021
Friends often ask me:

"Should I start a fund?"

A thread… 🧵
First, some context:

I started Weekend Fund in early 2017, shortly after Product Hunt was acquired.

The timing was perfect. AngelList was introducing their Venture Funds platform and I finally had enough money to make a GP commit.
At first I was uncertain if I could raise a $1M fund.

I think most people have imposter syndrome when doing anything new.
Read 16 tweets
Mar 23, 2021
Equity crowdfunding is having a moment. Last week:

@shl raised $5M from 8,962 investors

@ArlanWasHere raised $5M from 7,065 investors

@joinrepublic announced their $36M Series A

Many view equity crowdfunding as a negative signal. But that’s changing…
1. Regulation have changed

Up until March 15, companies could raise only $1.07M per year. Now they can raise $5M annually.

Equity crowdfunding is now far more attractive, especially for more established companies that have a large audience and strong brand.
2. Culture is shifting toward an ownership economy

Increasingly, people value equity and ownership.

Fans want to back companies and people they love. We see this with the Robinhood crowd, crypto/NFT movement, etc.
Read 5 tweets
Jan 17, 2021
Reflecting on my career in tech, it’s clear that my happiness *and* frustration are primarily driven by the people I work with.

So, here’s my attempt to articulate the qualities I look for in teammates going forward…
Curious

I’ve always admired curious people.

They’re open to experimentation and new ideas, an important quality for those building something novel and meaningful.
Hard-Working

“If you’re going to work, work” – my dad

Hard-working people create energy. They follow through with their commitments and take pride in making progress.
Read 6 tweets
Dec 21, 2019
I’m considering starting a coworking space in LA designed for remote workers (like me) 🏡
I’ve toured many spaces nearby and none are designed for the future of distributed work.

We need a space with...
☎️ Ample private booths for video calls (unlimited)

🔑 24/7 access for those working early/late hours with teammates around the world

🎶 Subtle, deep focus music (I’d ban loud top 40 music)

💡 Warm, upward lighting (no overhead fluorescent bulbs)
Read 4 tweets

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