For Startups
No two venture-scale startups are alike. But there are patterns and what’s true of all of them is that they traverse through series of stages.
At its earliest stages, a venture-scale startup is an experiment. It’s exciting, rewarding and can even be downright fun. But it takes a ton of hard work, creativity, grit, and even some luck. Soul searching is seldom optional. And there’s more to do than there are hours in a day. Get used to it… that part never changes.
Your startup is now more than just an idea. You’ve built something. You’re seeing signals in the market that this thing could be a business. Maybe an early customer or some excited early users. There are still some gaps in the story but you have a cogent thesis now. Time to find some investors.
You’re seeing signs of product-market fit. Time to pour fuel on that fire. Find is investors is a massive undertaking. But as your company grows through Series A, B, C funding (and beyond), your biggest challenge is recruiting a world-class team… and break-neck speed. Advice from other founders who have trod this path before is golden.
Exits come in all sizes — from acqui-hire to IPO. Just getting out alive is a bid deal. But what’s next? (After the earn out, of course.) Take a break, for sure. The start another company? Become an investor? Hopefully spend some time sharing your experience and giving back to the startup community.
Building a venture-scale company from scratch is ridiculously hard and immensely stressful — even when they are successful. But most startups are not successful. That’s why you’re a hero for event trying. Startup Haven celebrates every founder and the lessons they learn, regardless of the outcome. What’s next if your startup fails? Certainly take some time to recover. While you’re taking a break, Startup Haven is a place you can feel at home and stay connected to the startup ecosystem. Who knows… maybe you’ll find your next cofounder or a great startup to join.