Back Office Task Avoidance

Sam Parr and Shaan Puri discuss Abstract Ops, a software solution for handling back-office tasks that founders typically avoid. The conversation reveals insights about both the product and the broader challenge of managing administrative tasks in startups.

• Product Overview (Abstract Ops):

  • Similar to "NetSuite for startups"
  • Handles various back-office tasks:
    • State-specific tax filings
    • HR practices
    • Contractor onboarding
    • IP releases
    • Legal and finance operations

• Current Implementation:

  • Mix of automation and human support
  • Challenge: Need to evolve to more software-driven than human-driven for better scaling

• Marketing Approach:

  • Strong landing page execution:
    • Tagline: "Stop running from your back office tasks"
    • Uses relatable humor with stick figures and tornados
    • Shows personality in typically mundane space
    • Similar to Slack's approach of making boring tools delightful

• Founder Perspective on Back Office Tasks:

  • Typically avoided until problems arise
  • Quote: "I'd rather put it off until shit breaks"
  • Focus preference on growth over administration
  • Describes current state as "scrappy not sloppy"

• Investment Considerations:

  • Founded by previous Twitter acquisition founder
  • Key Question: Can it successfully automate complex tasks?
  • Challenge: Balancing breadth of services with depth of functionality
  • Potential to expand services once customers are acquired

• Product Validation Strategy:

  • Best approach is to be an actual user
  • Need to experience if solution is "magical" before investing
  • Important to verify if it solves real pain points