How To Beat The Startup Failure Odds

The contrast is shocking, and once you see it, you can't unsee it.

50% of new businesses succeed, but 90% of startups fail.

Here's how you can skew the odds in your favor:

• Full Ownership > Crowded Cap Tables

Resist partnering with people just because they offer capital.

Full control gives you the freedom to grow smarter.

• Cash Flow > Valuations

It doesn’t matter how many digits are in your company’s valuation.

What matters is the bank account you have to weather market storms.

Focus on the latter.

• Money in Your Pocket > In Your Investors'

A smaller pie you fully own is more rewarding than a sliver of a large one.

Make your own pie.

• Sustainable Revenue > Vanity Metrics

Focus on income that keeps your business afloat over impressive numbers that don't pay the bills.

• Self-Funding > Cash Burning

Control your destiny by running your business on your own terms.

Not everyone can do it, but if it’s possible, it’s empowering.

• Established Markets > Shiny New Things

Trends come and go, don't chase the next one.

Instead, invest where the customers already are.

• Lean Team > Bulky Orgs

Prioritize revenue per team member over a large headcount.

A lean team is more productive and cost-effective.

If we all run our startups as traditional businesses, we might just see those failure rates plummet.

I know I am doing my part. Are you?