Silly Money
We’re extending early-bird for the Outliers Summit
Two weeks ago, Andrew Yeung and I announced the Outliers Summit, our two day event in NYC with the most unreasonably ambitious people we know.
Since launching, we've had HUNDREDS of people apply.
The Former C-suite of a $100B public company now working on something new
The CTO of a mental fitness app with >$600M raised and a multi-billion-dollar valuation
Execs at companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, Stripe, BCG, PwC, and more
We've had far more applications than expected, and our team needs more time to review them all.
So rather than rush it, we're keeping early-bird pricing open through September 1.
One day tickets start at $99 and two-day access starts at $149!
What you’re applying for
November 5 — Build Like An Outlier
Hands-on sessions across the disciplines that actually matter right now. We’re building this as the "everything I know I should learn but haven't made time for" day.
Ideally, you leave having built the thing yourself: an app, an agent, an audience, a brand.
November 6 — Think Like An Outlier
Candid, off-the-record conversations about the bets and the mindsets behind outliers. Think of this as the "stuff people won't say on a podcast" day.
Confirmed speakers so far:
NEW: Sam Parr, Founder of My First Million, Hampton, The Hustle
NEW: Carina Hong, Founder of Axiom (raised $200M at a $1.6B val)
Ryan Hoover, Founder of Product Hunt & Weekend Fund
Sahil Lavingia, Founder & CEO of Gumroad ($1B paid out to creators)
Zach Sims, Co-founder & CEO of Codecademy (acq for >$500M)
Andy Dunn, Founder of Bonobos & Pie (acq for >$300M)
Nadya Okamoto, Founder of August & Co-Founder of Pie
Nat Eliason, Author & Head of Founders School
Nik Sharma, Founder of Sharma Brands
& many MORE to be announced soon!
Quick tax tip
If you have self-employment income, a conference like this can be a deductible business expense.
Registration fees are fully deductible. So are the flights, the train, the Uber from the airport, and the hotel. Meals get 50%. Networking event tickets count too.
The US tax code is written to favor people who start and operate a business, and many business owners leave easy stuff like this on the table.
Consider this: At a 37% federal marginal rate plus state, a $149 registration fee alone costs you something closer to $85 after the deduction. The flight and hotel get the same treatment. So, the most expensive part of the trip is your time (and we’re working to make it more than worth it!)
Just don’t forget to keep the receipts. Business purpose, dates, receipts, and the agenda. Same discipline as the home office deduction.
Now if you're a pure W-2 employee with no business on the side, this deduction isn't available to you. But consider asking your employer about a professional development budget instead. Many companies have one and so few people use it.
What to do before September 1st
If you've been thinking about joining us in November, apply now at the early-bird rate and let the review process run!
Talk soon!
— Ankur
P.S. Ahead of the deadline, Andrew and I are hosting a free live workshop about how outlier founders actually think, and where that thinking breaks from the advice everyone repeats. It’s just a little taste of the stuff you can expect at the Outliers Summit!
It’ll be on September 1st @ 12 PM ET. It’s completely free to attend and we'll send the recording to everyone who registers.
I'm writing this as myself, not as some investment adviser or broker-dealer. I'm not a tax professional. This is purely educational, not investment, legal, tax, or professional advice. Financial decisions involve risk. Please do your own research or talk to a licensed pro before acting on anything you read here. Full transparency: I'm a co-host of the Outliers Summit and have a financial interest in ticket sales.
