When to Quit: Founder Opportunity Cost
March 12, 2025
You have to be incredibly resilient to build a company from idea to IPO. Almost everyone who has made it will tell you there were many times when their company almost shut down.
When you pitch your company, regardless of the situation, it’s always worth being enthusiastic. Even if public speaking isn’t your strength, you will need to sound excited.
Most investors know your startup has a low probability of success, so it really helps if you have an almost irrational level of belief in your startup and can enthusiastically explain why.
This kind of enthusiasm isn’t just important for fundraising, it’s also a key part of closing your first customers and your first hires. Why should they believe if you’re not excited?
When I talk to founders who are struggling with their pitch, the problem is usually a lack of practice. Even if you’re currently bad at public speaking, you can get very good, quickly if you practice 10 times a day.
Best of luck out there.
