1. Finding ideas can be hard especially when you start from scratch. Most startups (particularly fast scaling ones) can give you ideas if you look for:
* de-prioritized ideas due to "hyper-focus"
* listening to common problems that customers [0] have that aren't necessarily solved by your company.
* product features built that many other companies would find useful (e.g. collaborative editing infra)
* internal tooling that other companies would find useful
2. Fundraising[1]
Many friends got their first checks from investors that were investors of a startup they previously worked at. And the truth is, if you choose a slow-scaling/zombie startup, you will learn a ton still but honestly, the investors of that company aren't going to be stoked to invest in you if you spin out your own thing.
A quick list of common strategies that worked for them:
* Choose founders who don't treat investors as "dumb money"
* Choose companies backed by great investors
* Join startups that are scaling fast
* Join early (< 40) so you can be part of the "success story"
* Ask to meet the investors throughout your tenure (ideally you are upfront with the founders of the company you join)
* Stay there and be a part of the solution through 2+ tough moments (ie. investors can associate you with the success of the company)
[0] Getting to know potential customers and understanding how to acquire them is also super useful.
[1] You can avoid the fundraising focus by going to YC (or equivalent) because you'll get the necessary clout to get investors knocking. If you're going to a startup anyway to get experience and find ideas, you may as well prep for fundraising.