Bits about Money

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Bits about Money provides practical insights into financial infrastructure for software engineers and startups.

Target Customer

Software engineers, startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, and readers interested in software business strategy and pricing.

Key Differentiator

Systems thinking applied to business combined with long-running, opinionated written work and public essays; track record of actionable advice (e.g., pricing, monetization) and real-world outcomes; cross-media presence (newsletter, podcast, public history projects) and industry influence (advisor to Stripe).

Implementation Timeline

Not explicitly stated; value is derived from consuming writings and applying guidance. Some actions (e.g., salary negotiation) may yield quicker wins; others (pricing strategy) may require longer-term effort.

Pain Points

1Pricing and monetization for software products
2Scaling software businesses and accelerating startups
3Understanding the economics and structure of the software/fintech ecosystem

Key Features

1Bits about Money newsletter (monthly-ish) on financial infrastructure
2Public essays and articles on software pricing, marketing, and business strategy
3Complex Systems podcast about how the world works
4Public projects and oral histories (e.g., VaccinateCA)
5Industry advisory role (Advisor to Stripe)
6Active angel investing

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Advisor to Stripe
2Angel Investor

Client Results

1Readers applying salary negotiation guidance reportedly negotiated raises totaling over $15M+
2Public writings influencing discussions on software pricing and monetization

Competitive Advantages

1Deep, long-form writing with extensive historical depth (over 4.7 million words since 2006)
2Practical, revenue-focused guidance on pricing and monetization
3Cross-media presence (newsletter, podcast, public essays) and credibility from Stripe association
4Evidence of reader-driven outcomes (e.g., salary increases)

Key Benefits

1Pricing and monetization insights tailored to software products

2Actionable guidance for accelerating software startups

3Access to long-form essays and thought leadership

4Credibility through Stripe association

Case Studies & Success Stories

Salary Negotiation: Make More Money, Be More Valued

Case #1

Essay whose readers reportedly negotiated raises totaling over $15M+ using the guidance.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A monthly-ish newsletter about financial infrastructure.

Target Market

Software engineers, startup founders, and tech entrepreneurs seeking practical guidance on pricing, monetization, and software business growth.

Unique Value Proposition

Kalzumeus Software delivers systems-thinking-driven business guidance for software professionals, with a track record of tangible reader outcomes and cross-media thought leadership.

Technical Requirements

Not specified in content; access appears to be via website and newsletter without stated technical prerequisites.

Pricing Model

Not disclosed in content

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