This Is How Much Startup Founders Pay Themselves (And It’s Less Than You Think)

The group discussed the myth of the perfect GTM plan. There’s no clean playbook - there’s a willingness to test, a feedback loop that actually informs decisions, and the courage to say no to the wrong audience. Nolan guided the conversation toward a central theme: GTM success is not about the size of the budget, it’s about how tightly aligned your product, team, and messaging are with the market moment you’re in.

Wade introduced the idea that early-stage branding doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to be intentional. Your identity should match your promise. Your tone should match your customer’s worldview. And your visuals should match the level of clarity you want people to associate with your company.

Ian Illig of Stompbox brought high-speed energy and tactical precision to his session on founder-led sales. Ian showed attendees how to translate a strong ICP into an actual sales strategy that doesn’t rely on luck or charm. Instead, it’s built on thoughtful structure, tight messaging, and an empathetic approach to outreach.