QuantumLight’s Post

🗣️ Reality Check: The Harsh Truth About Startup Outcomes ➡️ Data from 3,067 US startups incorporated in 2018 reveals a sobering reality: 49% have closed, 45% are ongoing, only 5% were acquired, and a mere 0.2% reached IPO. This underscores the challenges startups face in achieving successful exits. To navigate these odds, focus on: *️⃣Becoming a category-defining business like Uber or Netflix *️⃣Choosing investors who offer guidance, not just capital *️⃣Balancing growth with profitability for sustainability ➡️ The journey to building a formidable enterprise is a marathon, not a sprint. Reaching a sustainable model could be more valuable than chasing "unicorn" status. For AI Security startups and others, applying these principles can help create lasting value, regardless of exit outcomes. While IPOs and acquisitions are rare, focusing on fundamentals like category leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth can lead to success. Remember, building a strong, profitable business is often more valuable than chasing elusive exit strategies. #VentureHighlight Unicorn Netflix Uber

The appeal of a startup can be alluring. 👉 Agile and entrepreneurial culture 👉 Greater sense of autonomy and ownership 👉 Opportunities for growth 👉 The chance to make a meaningful impact. But the transition from corporate to startup can be a big culture shock - especially if you have spent most of your career in formal, stable organisations with clear hierarchies and established processes. Here are 7 tips for thriving in a startup environment: 1️⃣ Adopt a change mindset. 2️⃣ Break the notion of hierarchy. 3️⃣ Embrace innovation over processes. 4️⃣ Reconsider your perception of perks and benefits. 5️⃣ Be prepared to wear multiple hats. 6️⃣ Expect ambiguity. 7️⃣ Get ready to take risks. Do you agree? What else would you add? 🤔 #startup #companyculture #medtech #medicaldevices

What do you wish you had known before your first startup? Here are 7 tips on withstanding the culture shock and transitioning effectively from a corporate to startup environment.

In my nearly 20 years in the world of work, I've learned that success isn’t just about strategy, innovation, or even hard work—it's about people. I’ve had the privilege of leading teams through fintech revolutions, navigating the fast-paced world of SaaS, and launching startups from the ground up. But the real secret sauce? Building strong relationships, empowering teams, and creating a culture of ownership and excellence. Awards and recognitions are great, but what truly drives me is seeing my teams thrive, pushing boundaries, and exceeding expectations. Together, we've not only transformed businesses but also redefined what’s possible in our industries. Here’s to every risk taken, every challenge overcome, and every milestone achieved. The journey is just as important as the destination, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by incredible people who make it all worthwhile. Let’s keep pushing the limits. #Leadership #Innovation #Growth #Fintech #Startups #Teamwork

After almost a decade serving the startup ecosystem, I stand by this "𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧, 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚". Here is why👇🏻 Agility: Small teams adapt quickly, driving innovative solutions. Easy Communication: Fewer members mean clearer and faster communication. Rapid Decision-Making: Quick exchanges enable immediate choices and actions. Point-to-Point Accountability: Team intimacy fosters ownership and responsibility. Collaborative Spirit: Close-knit teams promote teamwork and shared goals. Productivity Push: Simultaneous task tackling accelerates project timelines with a friendly peer push. That Vibe: A vibrant environment encourages creative thinking. Eye on Solution: Efficient, innovative teams are poised to make a significant market impact with a solutionist mindset. P.S. A quick catch up with an ex-colleague helps you introspect #team #startups #incubation #investment #funding #growth #scale

One of the hardest things in scaling a startup is scaling from $3-5 million in revenue to a steady 2-3x annual revenue run rate, turning Profitable and maintaining Profitability regardless of economic cycles* Running an actual Unicorn is easier than that because at that scale things are programmatic... unless you don't know what you are doing (aka being VC-overvalued flops and/ or frankly doing unethical financial engineering and blitzscaling). So how to do the (*) systematically and not scrambling around trying to figure it out? Quantum leaping the company by architecting a sustainable and hyper-growing venture-scale company by putting The Unicorn Trajectory™ Operating System into action: - (Re)define your company’s PURPOSE - Expand the company's POTENTIAL (creating infrastructure-grade market size, category and customer segments, vertical and horizontal expansion strategy) - (Re)define PROFIT-ABILITY (a massive Commercial Strategy) - Recalibrate & Expand the PRODUCT suite - Project the right POSITIONING (strategic Branding, PR, Communications and Community) - Hire & Inspire great PEOPLE - Create & implement OPERATING PRINCIPLES - Optimize & Automate Revenue-driven PROCESSES - Re(Define) & Be on top of meaningful PERFORMANCE metrics --- Visit https://lnkd.in/d88Cz68k for your Unicorn Roadmap Sustainable and hyper-growth - startup, you can HAVE IT ALL Skye Nguyen #TheUnicornTrajectory

Leaving the comfort of a corporate role for the unpredictable world of a startup is a leap of faith. But the charm of building something from the ground up is irresistible. The pace is relentless, the challenges are constant, but the rewards are unparalleled. Every success feels like a personal victory. Here’s what I've learned so far: • Flexibility is your superpower: From product strategy to customer support, you're often the first responder. • Speed trumps perfection: In a startup, it's about moving fast and iterating. There's no time for analysis paralysis. • Innovation is non-negotiable: Every team member is expected to contribute ideas and challenge the status quo. • Ownership and empowerment: You're not just an employee; you're a stakeholder with high autonomy and decision-making power. #productmanagement #startup #growth #innovation

How to Build a Unicorn: Blending Vision, Technology, and Talent. Today, I'd like to explore the blueprint for building a 'Unicorn' - a startup valued at over $1 billion. This journey isn't just about big ideas; it's about a harmonious blend of purpose, technology, people, and a diverse leadership mindset. Strategic Purpose: The North Star 🌟 Every unicorn starts with a strategic purpose - a vision that's bold yet clear. It's the North Star guiding every decision, innovation, and growth strategy. This purpose is not just a mission statement; it's the core of the company's DNA. Leveraging Technology for Accelerated Growth 🚀 In the digital age, technology is a critical enabler for rapid growth. Utilizing cutting-edge tools and platforms can propel a startup forward at an unprecedented pace. It's about being agile, adaptable, and always on the forefront of technological advancements. The Right People: Visionaries and Executors 🤝 People are the heart of any unicorn. Having a team that not only understands but also shares the company's vision is crucial. These individuals are adept at leveraging technology, driven by the strategic purpose, and committed to turning ambitious goals into reality. Bridging Old School Wisdom with New School Agility 🔗 A unique aspect of unicorn companies is their leadership blend. On one hand, we have seasoned professionals with years of market experience. On the other, dynamic new-age leaders proficient in modern tools and approaches. This combination creates a powerful synergy, balancing experience with innovation. A Symphony of Elements 🌈 Building a unicorn is like orchestrating a symphony - each element from strategic purpose, technology, the right team, to a diverse leadership, plays a critical role. When these elements harmonize, the result is not just a successful company, but a revolutionary force in the industry. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what makes a startup a unicorn. Have you been part of this journey? What elements do you think are essential in this transformation? #Docreway #Docreative #NearShoreStrategyBoutique #Accountability #Executionmatters #ExecutionCulture #BusinessStrategy #Methodology #StartupGrowth #UnicornBusiness #StrategicVision

In startups, products can pivot, and markets can shift, but one thing remains constant: the people. As an investor, I have learned that while it’s important to analyze business models and financial projections, my real bet is on the team. This is especially true when it comes to startups. And so, no ROI or growth variable is as effective for me as culture. The real predictor of success is the culture that founders set in motion from day one. In the rush to scale, founders often focus on product-market fit, revenue and funding. These are crucial, yes, but culture is the unsung hero that often dictates whether a company will stand the test of time. A well-established culture shapes how: - a team collaborates - navigates challenges - keeps alive the drive of building something new Startups need people who believe in the vision and are excited about building something from the ground up. A clear, positive culture helps draw in folks who are aligned with the mission, which makes for a more motivated and cohesive team. A healthy culture attracts not just talent, but the right talent. It brings together people who aren’t just there to fill roles but to build something bigger than themselves. When I invest, I am backing founders who understand that growth doesn’t come just from great ideas, but from cultivating a space where people are inspired to execute them. #Startups #Investments #Culture

I’m back from spending the holidays in London & excited to action 2024 planning work! Iteration over perfection is how you maintain speed and train yourself & your teams to adapt to changing inputs in fast moving organizations. Get the data, trust your intuition, & make the best decision based off the information you have. Here we go 2024! 🚀🏁🔥 #tech #startups #peopleandculture #operations