In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succeed. You will hear about receiving superficial praise, the impact of social media on perception, and the psychological reasons behin…

In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort does not necessarily equate to progress or beneficial outcomes. The need for clear benchmarks within organizations to truly rewar…

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advancements in AI. The challenges of the past, such as massive payrolls, investor dependency, and expensive infrastructures highlighting…

In this episode of the startup therapy podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into bootstrapping a startup. They address common misconceptions about funding, emphasizing the importance of making do with what you have and prioritizing what's truly necessary for business growth. The conversation covers practical ways to manage expenses without ex…

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the complexities of handling feedback from investors, emphasizing the critical need for founders to properly qualify and assess the advice they receive. They highlight the dangers of acting on feedback without considering its relevance, potential bias, and the inves…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why earning atleast $10,000 per month is one of the most important milestones in your startup career. They stress the need to do whatever it takes to keep your business alive. Hitting this milestone gives you room to handle setbacks and shows that you're making real progress. Tune in for …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why investors choose to invest on “failed” founders. They debunk the myth that failure marks the end of a founder's journey and shows why giving people a second chance is the best investment. Tune in as they explore the investor mindset, focusing on why they prefer to invest in founders w…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the importance of generating revenue and being willing to do whatever it takes to move a startup forward. They discuss why it's crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize generating income and share insights on how to overcome challenges in achieving financial sustainability. Sign up for the…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the hidden treasure of failed startups. From redefining valuation to creative acquisition strategies, they share insights on salvaging value from adversity. Tune in as they uncover the secrets to success amidst startup wreckage. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about what happens if your competitor got funded. Join as they discuss the common concern of competitors securing funds and share valuable perspectives on why this might not be a cause for panic. They highlight the importance of maintaining focus, strategic planning, and turning the situation i…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore whether lacking prior experience can be a game-changer for startup founders. Having zero experience means you're new to something, and surprisingly, that can be a good thing. It brings a fresh perspective and adaptability. But for startup founders, could a lack of experience help you succeed …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about whether a founder should focus on building a startup that just makes money. Ever thought about ditching the whole fundraising craze and simply building a startup that puts money in your pocket? Join Wil and Ryan as they navigate the path less traveled, exploring the freedom and sustainabi…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you can get rockstar advisors for your startup. Discover the common mistakes people make when they are getting people to be their advisors and what are the best strategies for asking them to be your advisor. Don’t miss out and find out if your startup needs an advisor or do you just need …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether you should get a steady paycheck or start your own startup. Choosing between a regular job and starting your own business is a big decision many face. Working a steady job offers security and a predictable income, while launching a startup is all about taking risks and creating someth…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of managing chaos as a founder. Keeping a startup on track is like steering a ship through rough waters. Founders must stay calm and focused amid the chaos, juggling priorities and tackling problems as they arise. It's about staying cool under pressure, sorting out what matters most,…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of having a co-founder. A co-founder can offer numerous benefits for a business. It allows for shared responsibilities, diverse skill sets, and a support system during challenging times. However, finding the right co-founder whose values align with yours and who complements your stre…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the concept of scaling without adding or hiring more people. Making a significant impact doesn't always mean having a large team. You can achieve remarkable results with a compact and efficient group. Instead of expanding your team, you can focus on optimizing processes and leveraging innovat…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss about the grind and guilt dilemma of founders. Founders often struggle with the never-ending hard work of growing their business, driven by their passion and ambition. This can create a persistent feeling of guilt as they try to juggle work demands with their personal life and health. So how …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether founders are driven by fear or greed. In the world of startups, there's a question that keeps coming up: what drives founders? Is it the fear of failure, or is it the pursuit of wealth and success, often labeled as greed? In this episode, we delve into the motivations behind entrepren…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you as a founder will know if you’re building the right or wrong product. Have you ever had an idea, but you're just not sure if it's good? It's something that many entrepreneurs can relate to - that anxious feeling of whether what you think would be a successful product could actually ju…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how startups are actually bought and sold. The process of buying and selling startups can be tricky. It's easy to get confused about how much a startup is really worth, and people sometimes have high hopes that don't match reality. When it comes to getting paid, the way deals are set up can b…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss when to quit or let go of your startup. If your startup has struggled for an extended period without meaningful progress, causing financial strain, and lacks market validation, it might be time to consider quitting. Additionally, if the startup is taking a toll on your physical and emotional …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the challenge of maintaining a long-term vision in the fast-paced world of startups. It's easy to get sidetracked by short-term goals and immediate survival mode. But here's the deal: Founders need to find that sweet spot between the urgent stuff and the big-picture dream. Regularly reminding…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if you can replace yourself as a founder. Founders often struggle to step aside in a company because their deep commitment and personal connection to the company's mission are hard to duplicate. Their passion, values, and individual perspective are tough to find in an outsider, potentially ca…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss who founders are really competing against. Founders are often never satisfied because they constantly set new, self-imposed benchmarks and goals. They compete against a changing definition of success, driven by their ego and perceptions of their peers. As they reach one milestone, they quickl…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the topic that investors and founders are not on the same side of the table. In the startup world, it's important to recognize that investors and founders don't always see eye to eye. Investors are primarily looking to make money, which can sometimes clash with a founder's vision. Balancing t…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss planning for the bad times and good times in your startup company. It's not all sunshine during the good times, and not all doom and gloom during the bad times. It's about striking that perfect balance in your startup's strategy. The secret to achieving longevity in the ever-shifting landscap…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why a lower valuation exit can offer founders more advantageous financial outcomes than a higher valuation exit. This happens because of things like how much of the company's ownership each founder still has and what investors are expecting from their investments. As startups grow and get mor…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you shouldn’t fear the AI revolution that’s coming. Founders shouldn't fear changes in technology because embracing advancements can bring various advantages. These changes often lead to improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and better decision-making. Adapting to technological shif…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you shouldn’t let investors become your customers. When you prioritize investor demands over customer needs in pursuit of additional funding, you risk losing touch with your market's true requirements. This could lead to developing products or services that don't align with customer expec…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss what happens when founders stay out of the game for too long. Startup founders can't afford lengthy breaks from the game because the skills and mindset crucial for entrepreneurship can weaken over time. Startups demand ongoing learning and adaptability due to their rapid evolution. But here's…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if your dreams as a founder is an illusion. The dream seems so valuable because it's something you don't have right now. But it's essential to play test your goals and ask yourself if you'd truly enjoy it once you achieve them. Sometimes, the journey and the process of pursuing a startup are …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the topic of building a “big business”. Scaling rapidly can lead to market dominance and attract investors, but it also involves higher resource demands and potential pitfalls. On the other hand, building a profitable and sustainable business may allow for steady growth, reduced risks, and lo…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how all problems are not the end of the world for founders. While running a startup can be challenging and bring various obstacles, not every problem leads to failure or signifies the end. Startup founders often encounter a range of difficulties, including financial setbacks, operational hurd…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you should stop listening to investors. While investors can provide valuable insights and expertise, founders should exercise caution when relying too heavily on their advice. Investors often prioritize financial returns and short-term gains, whereas founders have a deep understanding of …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if you can actually build a startup in less than 40 hours a week. Building a successful startup typically requires a significant investment of time and effort. While it's theoretically possible to work on a startup for less than 40 hours a week, it may significantly impact the chances of succ…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether bootstrapped startups are less valuable than venture-funded startups. The value of a startup isn't only determined by its funding source. While venture-funded startups may have more money and support initially, bootstrapped startups can still be valuable and successful. Bootstrapping …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why founders don’t like to ask for help. Founders sometimes hold back from asking for help because they worry about losing control, looking weak, burdening others, or feeling like they have to do everything themselves. However, it's actually really important for founders to push past these co…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if founders can design their startups around their life. Should your life adjust to your startup or could you design your startup to fit your lifestyle? It's all about making intentional choices and taking small steps to align your business with your desired lifestyle. By carefully planning, …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how founders can stay in the game longer. Most founders want the result faster without thinking about longevity and sustainability. In the fast-paced world of startups, thinking long-term is a total game-changer. It's like stepping back and getting the big picture, setting up a rock-solid fou…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the toll on everyone around a founder. This topic is close to every founder's heart: the ripple effect their journey has on everyone around them. Let’s deep dive into the nitty-gritty of how being a founder impacts family, friends, and relationships. Being a founder can take a toll on everyon…

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the problem with early praise and big hypes at the beginning of a startup, with no assurance of success. We've all seen the flashy headlines and big promises of new startups, but does the hype actually translate to success? Join us as we dive into why early praise can be a double-edged sword …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how being a founder is an integral part of your identity, and setbacks with one startup shouldn't make you doubt your ability to succeed in the role. So even if your current venture doesn't work out, you're likely to keep pursuing new startup opportunities because it's simply part of who you …

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore the history behind the invention of the 20-something-year-old founder phenomenon. With the changing landscape of technology and business, more and more young people are starting successful companies. The episode discusses the opportunities available to young people today, and how starting a b…

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the founder's ego and when is it too much. We all know that confidence is key when you're starting a business, but sometimes it can be hard to tell when that confidence has turned into full-on arrogance. This can hold you back from trying new things and making the best decisions for your comp…

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss founder imposter syndrome. As a startup founder, it's common to feel like you don't have all the answers, especially in the early days. But even after years of experience, do you still struggle with feeling like a fraud or pretending to know more than you do? Imposter syndrome can be tough, w…

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how long is a founder's lifetime. In a startup cycle as well as the founder’s lifetime, a lot of things could happen. You will get to try different things and experience different highlights in your career. Having more chances to try something different can be a great advantage for founders i…

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how founders often miss out on paying themselves and why it's essential to grab the chance when it happens. You know how some founders think, "I don't deserve this yet" or "I should put this money back into the business"? Rather than risking a missed chance, it's best to take advantage of the…

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss founder guilt in the wake of a failed startup. While it's perfectly natural to feel disappointed when a startup fails, it's not cool to let guilt eat away at you. It's important to recognize that success in the startup world is never a guarantee and that failures are an inevitable part of the…

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss transparency in startup companies. Being honest with your customers and clients will help you attract more people to your company, but excessive sharing of information and transparency could also create some problems. In today’s episode, we’ll find out: how much transparency is too much and d…