Startup Therapy

In this episode we discuss the myth of the 'bet it all' startup mentality. They highlight the importance of downside risk planning and how successful risk management plays a crucial role in startup success Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for: 00:00 Introduction to Startup Therapy 00:28 The Myth of Betting It All 01:36 The Reality of Downside Protection 06:18 Case Study: The Zirtual Acquisition 11:24 The Importance of Backup Plans 18:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the common struggles of making money in the startup world. They explore the 'noble' but flawed narrative that founders shouldn't pay themselves, why aiming too big too soon can prevent profitability, and the cycle of raising funding that often leaves founders broke. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 Introduction to Startup Therapy 00:23 The Broken Narrative of Not Getting Paid 02:35 Self-Sabotage and Going Too Big 04:08 The Funding Trap 05:41 The Harsh Realities of Raising Money 12:07 The Never-Ending Hunger of Startups 14:36 Reinvesting in Growth 15:06 The Reality of Increased Liabilities 15:59 The Fear of Taking Money Off the Table 17:00 The Importance of Paying Yourself 18:14 Balancing Profit Sharing and Salaries 19:07 The Misconception of Startup Growth 21:13 The Dangers of Not Taking Money Off the Table 26:09 Common Sense in Startup Land 27:08 Conclusion: Get Paid Now

In this episode, we discuss the potential obsolescence of venture capital due to advancements in AI technology. We explore how reduced startup costs and increased efficiency might reshape the future of funding in the startup ecosystem. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 Image a World Without Investors 02:16 The Rise of AI and Its Impact 03:01 Cost Reduction in Startups 06:05 The Future of Staffing and Marketing 08:37 Automation in Back Office Operations 13:04 The Changing Role of Investors 24:21 The Reality of VC Advice 27:57 The Future of Capital Needs 31:22 AI's Impact on Investment 34:40 Reimagining Investment Models 40:20 The Democratization of Startups

The Irreplaceable Founder. Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the irreplaceable role of founders in startups. They explore why removing a founder often leads to failure, the unique value and vision founders bring, and the difference between operational tasks and the founder's core contributions. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 Founder’s Role in a Startup 01:16 Challenges of Replacing a Founder 03:04 Founder’s Vision 05:43 Founder’s Passion 07:02 Founder’s Decisions 09:17 The Unique Value of Founders 20:06 Sales Process and Financials 22:49 Management by Walking Around 25:28 Risk Tolerance in Founders vs. Hired CEOs 33:07 Challenges of Replacing a Founder 37:54 Join the Startups.com Community

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan (CMO at Startups.com) and Wil Schroter (CEO at Startups.com) discuss the importance of saying yes to growth opportunities that startups have not previously tried. They emphasize that startups thrive by committing to new challenges, even if the path isn't immediately clear, and how this willingness to stretch can affect interactions with customers, investors, and staff. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing liabilities can be riskier than anticipated and the importance of balancing growth with stability. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 The Illusion of Milestones 02:46 Scaling Challenges 05:33 Weight of Responsibilities 13:37 New Nodes of Problems 16:21 The Reality of Scaling a Team 20:05 The Myth of Effortless Wealth 22:59 The Importance of Sustainable Growth 26:20 The Pitfalls of Chasing High Valuations 28:22 Setting Realistic Business Goals 30:24 How to Enjoy Your Business

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the inefficiencies and dangers of making decisions by committee. Why committees often fail and why founders should avoid relying on them for critical decisions. Tune in to learn why decisive, individual leadership is key to startup success. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:34 The reality of committee decision-making 07:06 The problem with collective accountability 11:38 The downside of inclusive decision-making 15:38 The myth of the best decision 17:46 The importance of accountability 23:04 The danger of removing consequences 28:27 Leadership is about making the tough decisions

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we talk about equity distribution in startups. Explore the psychological traps of seeking validation, the dangers of making hasty decisions when most vulnerable, and offer practical advice on how to navigate these challenges. Tune in to learn why patience and cautious decision-making are key to safeguarding the future value of your company. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:00 The Vulnerability of Early-Stage Founders 06:45 Evaluating Potential Co-Founders 07:55 The Risk of Overpaying for Talent 13:38 Milestones and Deliverables 17:00 Vulnerability in Decision Making 18:27 The True Cost of Equity 24:09 The Fallacy of Immediate Gratification 28:34 Why Wait and Evaluate

In this insightful episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the importance of asking questions as a startup founder.Why founders often hesitate to seek advice, the untapped wealth of knowledge available? You will find tips on how to develop the muscle for asking the right questions — founders do not need to reinvent the wheel. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter, discuss the misconception that startup founders are incredibly wealthy on paper, while in reality, many struggle with personal financial stability. See the importance of paying yourself regularly, even when building a high-potential startup. Consistently getting paid, no matter how small, is crucial to long-term success and personal well-being. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about sacrifices founders make — accumulating debt and foregone salaries, with the expectation of being reimbursed. They discuss how founders commonly believe that future investments will pay back their personal financial commitments. They emphasize that the only real chances of getting 'paid back' are through a company sale or profit distributions. They put a light on the tough lessons learned through their own experiences and those of others in the startup world. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into evaluating startup team and management performance. Find out the importance of constant evaluation, highlighting the significance of both recognizing the need for improvement and taking actionable steps towards building a higher quality team. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

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 behind others' reactions to success — the envy even among those closest to the founder. Don't walk this narrow road alone, get support from your peers in founder groups at: https://www.startups.com/begin Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

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 reward and recognize valuable contributions. Additionally, they challenge the notion of what constitutes as 'hard work' and the danger of equating all effort with success, proposing a more nuanced understanding that could lead to more effective and rewarding startup cultures. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:17 The Misconception of Hard Work in Startup Culture 02:49 Real Value of Hard Work in Startups 04:29 The Effort vs. Progress Dilemma 06:40 Effort, Progress, and Reward 10:22 Learning from Effort and Reward 15:46 The Misconception of Effort vs. Outcome 17:36 Setting Expectations Across Management Levels 19:30 The Importance of Measurable Outcomes 28:31 Setting the Right Expectations and Rewards

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 the opportunities AI technologies present for startups. The conversation covers the changing landscape where small operations can achieve significant impact without the traditional costs, through examples like remote work, AI-driven efficiencies, and low-cost internet companies. They advocate for a shift in mindset where success isn't measured by headcount or office size, but by the value created with minimal resources. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy Website https://www.startups.com/begin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Ryan Rutan https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to Listen For 00:00 The Evolution of Startups: From Headcount to Efficiency 01:29 AI and the Future of Work: A New Paradigm 05:14 The Unprecedented Scale and Speed of AI Adoption 07:14 AI's Impact on Staffing and Efficiency 09:39 The Ethical Debate: AI and Job Creation vs. Job Displacement 13:17 AI's Role in Democratizing Entrepreneurship 16:00 Historical Shifts in Startup Dynamics: From Match.com to AI 18:41 The Evolution of Startup Funding 19:33 The Dramatic Shift in Startup Economics 20:42 The Rise of Bootstrapping and Ownership Retention 21:24 Case Study: Plenty of Fish's Revolutionary Approach 24:32 The Future of Startup Costs and Ownership 31:55 Embracing Efficiency and Impact in Startups 33:48 A New Era of Startup Valuation and Efficiency

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 external funding, including strategies for hiring, marketing, and managing operational costs through discipline and creative solutions. The hosts share personal experience on how to navigate the challenges of bootstrapping, highlighting the importance of being resourceful, making money to spend money, and avoiding typical startup traps. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://groups.startups.com/Network of Top FoundersLinkedInWil SchroterRyan Rutan 00:00 Welcome to Startup Therapy 00:08 The Realities of Bootstrapping 01:35 Navigating the Bootstrapping Journey 04:50 Mastering the Art of Compensation in Bootstrapping 22:00 Innovative Marketing on a Shoestring Budget 26:50 Leveraging Vendor Terms and Historical Examples 28:18 The Power of Deferred Payments in Business Growth 33:20 Strategic Use of Credit Cards for Business Expenses 42:20 The Path to Efficient Startup Growth

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 investor's qualifications. The discussion covers the spectrum of investor types, from well-meaning but inexperienced individuals to top-tier venture capitalists, and the importance of understanding the context and motivation behind their advice. You will find how to advocate for a balanced approach that involves questioning, verifying, and thoughtfully considering advice before taking action. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://groups.startups.com/Network of Top FoundersLinkedInWil SchroterRyan Rutan

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 tips on managing startup finances and staying resilient in the ever-changing business world. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginNetwork of Top FoundersLinkedInWil SchroterRyan Rutan What to Listen 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 who have shown they can bounce back and learn from failure, ultimately changing how we think about startup success. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginNetwork of Top FoundersLinkedInWil SchroterRyan Rutan What to Listen For

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 Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginNetwork of Top FoundersLinkedInWil SchroterRyan Rutan What to Listen For