What do you all think of early stage startups?
I will go first - It's hectic as hell, but if you are passionate about the problem that specific startup is solving-
it is really rewarding and exciting. But that's just my opinion not everyone, not everyone feels the same way about crazy work schedules and WLB which early stage startups tend to have.
Please share your thoughts and experiences!
If you are excited about going to work everyday and everyone knows how to draw the line on work life balance, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of life.
I agree, like I have had days of extreme work extending upto 15 hours- but when I want to go with my partner/family for 3 days and I know how to do the tasks I am accountable for- no one questions it. That’s what my experience has been so far
That they're mostly founder-VC scam. And the top leadership just cares about their exit.
As an operator, if it aligns with your goals and priorities, it's still a great way to learn and grow. Often it's exponential if other aspects do align as well. But after the chickens are coming home to roost (read: accounting frauds, baseless business model pivots, mass layoffs, etc.), I think more people will be red-pilled enough to just do it for the sake of it, as detached from the problem statement/vision the startup has. And to no fault of theirs, honestly. A post-ZIRP era obviously should be an interesting outlook. Of course, only time will tell how it unfolds.
That’s what the issue is: most folks aren’t smart enough to ask important questions to the founders while working with them.
Questions like- Hey I see we have received x funding what are our plans with this money?
This strategy is clearly costing us too much money , why do you still continue down this path.
If these types of question are asked - folks will easily recognise a visionary founder from a bullshit one , that will prompt them to distance themselves from such startups early on.
Should have sizeable equity and a vision for future liquidation