Who We Are

who is SH3PHERD?

We are guides for early-stage startup founders. We are a group of startup leaders who have successfully navigated the startup life (usually more than once). We understand that startup leaders also need to be doers. We don't just give you directions and a map. We walk along-side you, fill in any knowledge and skill gaps, pick up the rear to make sure nothing gets left behind, and guide you until you are ready to continue your journey to success on your own.

WE ARE...

...successful startup leaders who learned the hard way so you don't have to.

We are...

...startup leaders in product, UX design, technology, marketing, customer support, operations, and security. Most of us have worn more than one of those hats. Some of us have worn all of those hats. At the same time.

We are...

...startup leaders who are guides and not managers. We work with you in discovering and refining your strategies. We don't tell you what your product needs to do. We don't tell you how to build your product. We help you put the right processes in place so that you can make the right decisions. And we roll up our sleeves and help you execute on those decisions.

We are...

...startup leaders who have built security products, so we understand how to navigate the noise of the security product market and we will identify the best and most cost-effective solutions for your needs. We also know how to build secure products.

we are...

...startup leaders who know what is important and what is not and we know the important things that many people overlook. We have learned common pitfalls, which shortcuts to take (and which not to take), and how to avoid distractions and diversions and maintain focus. We've already been down most of those rabbit holes. There's almost never anything there.

“Leading is not about being the hero, but about helping others become heroes.”

The Way of the Shepherd

(Leman, Pentak 2004)