A lawyer’s second act, in progress.
I’m John (JD) Donboli. I run JDJD Search, a local search agency for San Diego businesses; help American founders open companies in Mexico through Cabo360; and write about going from a J.D. to an MBA.
JDJD Search, Del Mar
Cabo360, Los Cabos
J.D. · MBA next, USD
What I’m building
One person, three threads: an agency, an advisory, and a series about going back to school.
JDJD Search
A local search and conversion agency that works only with San Diego County businesses. We get them found on Google Maps, Search, and AI answers, meet every client in person, and visit their competitors before touching an account.
Cabo360
Starting a business in Mexico, explained in plain English for American entrepreneurs, then handed to independent, licensed Mexican professionals who do the formal work.
JDJDMBA
Notes from a JD going back to business school, plus The First Raise Series, a free six-part course for first-time founders.
JDJDMBA
Notes from a JD going back to business school.
Why JDJDMBA
John Donboli explains the name of this series: his initials, his Juris Doctor degree, and the MBA he was accepted to at the University of San Diego.
How I Evaluate an Early-Stage Startup: A Four-Part Framework
A working framework for sizing up an early-stage company: team, market, evidence, and deal structure, and the questions that sit under each.
Why Power Laws Shape Everything in Venture Capital
Venture returns are driven by a small number of outsized winners. Here is why that changes how portfolios, risk, and decisions work.
About
I deferred the start of my MBA to take care of family commitments, and I plan to begin when circumstances allow. Until then I am running my businesses and writing about what I learn.
I share what I learn, mistakes included, so the next person has a head start.
I am not currently licensed to practice law. Nothing on this site is legal or investment advice.