Stuff

Here's what we're using at our company, and what I use personally:

• Email - Google Workspace
• Documentation - Notion
• Team Comms - Discord
• Meetings - Zoom
• Cap Table Management - Carta
• Tech Stack
• • Cloud: AWS/GCP(?)
  • CRM: Brevo
  • Messaging: Twilio SMS + Conversations
  • Database:
  • • MongoDB → webhook to connect to Brevo CRM
• Support & Phone number: Intercom
• Payroll: Bill.com

Cool stuff you might not be using already:

• AI Meeting Notes - Granola
• Second brain - Notion
• Calendar - Notion Calendar is great
• Improved my email efficiency by 5x - Superhuman
• YouTube music is better than spotify & apple, change my mind

I've made many YouTube videos. Here's what's served me very well:

• Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera, 24.2MP Full Frame with Phase Hybrid AF, New Active I.S. Technology, Unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit Recording with 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 L Mount Lens - DC-S5M2KK Black https://amzn.to/40GjpLv

This camera is pretty expensive, and I would not recommend to the amateur. If you're an amateur, start with your iPhone and when it becomes limiting, move to this camera (one-and-done for ~5 yrs), or another option.

• Clip-on microphone for camera. Rode VideoMic Pro+ Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone, Black https://amzn.to/4nzAssJ

This can be clipped on your camera and allow you to record video + audio natively. This is nice because you don't have to sync up audio from a separate mic, then. Here's my go to mic though:

• FIFINE USB Studio Recording Microphone Computer Podcast Mic for PC, PS4, Mac with Mute Button & Monitor Headphone Jack, Four Pickup Patterns for Vocals YouTube Streaming Gaming ASMR Zoom-Class (K690) https://amzn.to/4lsVKqj

You don't need a Blue Yeti - it's overrated. This Fifine mic is BETTER than the Blue Yeti mics, and has served me well for YEARS.

• iPhone continuity camera device https://amzn.to/3GfdLJx

This is super helpful if you have a Macbook, especially if you want to record stuff using your computer. It basically improves your webcam without you having to buy some weird Logitech extension for your Macbook.

• K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod,Lightweight Travel Tripod with 36mm Metal Ball Head Load Capacity 8kg/17.6lbs,Quick Release Plate,for DSLR Cameras Indoor Outdoor Use https://amzn.to/44EdBna

Getting a super stable tripod is well worth it. I used to have a cheap one from Walmart but it was so finnicky and annoying to use. Would suggest getting one and done!

• Godox SL100D Daylight LED Video Light, 100W 5600K 32100Lux @1M CRI 96+TLCI 97+ Bowens Mount COB LED Continuous Light, 8 FX Effects 0-100% Brightness Studio Light with APP Control https://amzn.to/3GBxu63

As you've probably heard, lighting is super important. Getting a real light versus those trashy LED panels is important.

• Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Photography Tripod Stand with Case - Pack of 2, 2.8 - 6.7 Feet, 1.81 lb, Black https://amzn.to/4krxdjW

Here's the light stand I use - very affordable.

• A good softbox https://amzn.to/4kv8HyK

Finally, you just need a good softbox for your light to spread it evenly.

• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M2 Max chip with 12‑core CPU and 38‑core GPU: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 32GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage. Works with iPhone/iPad; Silver https://amzn.to/45U5aX0

Here's the laptop I have. It's overkill and I genuinely think the Macbook Air is good enough for 90% of people. Next time I get a laptop, I'm getting the air. It's lighter and more portable.

• Keychron K8 Tenkeyless Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Mac, White Backlight, Bluetooth, Multitasking, Type-C Wired Gaming Keyboard for Windows with Brown Switch https://amzn.to/4nJW4Tk

Great keyboard. A little loud, though, so I can't bring it to libraries.

• Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse, Wireless Bluetooth or USB Receiver, Quiet Clicks, 4 Buttons, Right Hand Wireless Mouse, Windows/macOS/iPadOS, Laptop, PC - Graphite https://amzn.to/4lJ8okE

Save your hands.

• Sceptre New 27-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2024 (E275W-FW100T) https://amzn.to/465uj17

Be careful. If you get too big of a monitor and the resolution isn't great, it'll actually look worse than a smaller monitor with higher resolution.

Ah. Here's the ultimate credit card stack.

Business Bank Accounts:

• Mercury - Let me save you some time. 1% off on credit cards. If it's your first company, just open a Mercury account. No wire fees (incl. intl!). Great integrations. Bill pay, reimbursements, etc. Here's my referral link (deposit $10K and we both get $250): https://mercury.com/r/qurios-ventures-llc. Used for Qurios Ventures LLC.
• For Claisen, we tried out Brex and Rho. Liked Rho the most because of the 2% off platinum card. Brex is pretty good, but their rewards are not great (transferring out flight rewards at a 1000/1500 ratio) and so 2% actually is better. If you want to sign up for Rho, shoot me an email lol rishab@claisen.com (jk- I don't care that much... unless you really want to give me $500)

Credit Cards:

• Rho platinum card (2% flat) - see above
• Amex Business Gold Card - need I say more? Great opening offer for spending $15K in 3 months (200,000 points which is equivalent to at least $1,200 on statement credit or like $8,000 if you're a business flight maxxer and know how to use seats.aero - This is a god tier site that allows you to find massively discounted business & first class flights). In addition, you get 4x on top two spend categories which could be Food/Restaurants, Ubers/Rideshare, or Online Ads (this is the real hack!!! spend on Meta etc.)

Join Amex Business Gold Card and you can get up to 100,000 additional points ($600+) using my link here: https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/gold-card?ref=RISHAJcX76&XLINK=MYCP

• Amex Personal Gold Card - similar to the biz gold card except for yourself. I think we got something like 80,000 points for $6k in 6 months. Once again, use the sign up link above and you can get more additional points.