Erik Torenberg on Founder

One Q I’ve been asking entrepreneurs is “what’s a company (or project) you wish you started”? It gives a sense for what they want to do e.g me: - Genius - Quora - Wikipedia - Minerva - YC - Kickstarter - Lambda - Barry’s - Delancey - Circles&Cyphers - Outschool - Augur - AA U?

558 likes106 repliesPosted Jun 6, 2019

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Viral score

Based on absolute engagement — the platform doesn’t expose follower counts here, so large accounts score higher.

From likes, comments.

Why it worked

Uses short lines and white space, which makes a long post feel quick to read.
Follows a clear Hook → Context → List → Invitation shape, so the reader always knows where they are.
Ends on a question, which is the most reliable way to turn readers into repliers.
Written from experience rather than as advice, which is harder to argue with.
Short enough to read in full without expanding, which removes a step before the point lands.
Quotes someone directly, which makes the moment concrete rather than summarised.

The mechanics

Hook: Plain observation
Structure: Hook → Context → List → Invitation
Style: Short lines with heavy white space, built to be scanned.
Tone: personal, punchy
Written for: Founders and early-stage teams

Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Topics

Founder

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