It’s common knowledge that 90% of startups fail. Many things contributed to their demise, and many of them made crucial fundraising errors. Due to these errors, the company is unable to draw in the crucial backing from possible venture capital investors. Nevertheless, a significant portion of businesses still have difficulties in attaining sustained success, even among those that are able to successfully obtain venture capital funding.
Following a fruitful fundraising campaign, there are six typical hazards that can occur. This article offers helpful guidance on how to avoid and overcome these problems.
Unrestrained Spending
Mishandling the money that is received is one common hazard. Founders and their leadership team will probably get a lot of demands for using the money after they secure it. Numerous arguments will be made for adding new team members or making long-awaited investments.
Firsthand, though, that hurried hiring and thoughtless spending can result in lower worker productivity and higher cash burn. Therefore, even if your bank account is bursting at the seams, it’s imperative to practice caution and refrain from reckless spending. The need to prudently spend resources and make growth investments does not go away following a funding round.
Only Paying Attention to Revenue Growth
Since a spike in sales generates excitement, entrepreneurs frequently view quick growing as the ultimate goal. But it’s crucial to understand that money by itself does not equate to long-term success. Bill Gurley, a renowned venture capitalist, once said astutely, “You can generate infinite revenue by selling dollars for 85 cents.” Scaling should therefore always be a methodical process that considers every facet of the company.
Making ensuring expansion investments are both economically feasible and actually contribute to long-term success is crucial. Any efforts to increase revenue should always be built around a strong growth strategy. Blitzscaling is the term used when the market requires large, immediate investments in order to grow quickly, putting speed ahead of efficiency. At other instances, it is wise to conduct additional validation of the business model prior to pursuing fast expansion, sometimes known as “FastScaling.”
Not Learning From Rejections
Obtaining funds is a difficult process that frequently involves multiple rejections until the ideal investor or investor syndicate is found to support the expansion. Though it’s easy to think that just a select group of investors genuinely appreciate the startup’s genius, it’s important to consider the reasons why other investors passed. Every rejection presents a chance for growth, development, and learning. Embracing rejection and thinking back on all the “Nos” that one has encountered can help founders get important insights that propel a firm toward success.
Losing Focus
Though the options for growth may appear endless, the key to success is carefully considering each one. It’s critical to stay focused. Taking on too much at once can result in overcomplication, which can cause teams to lose momentum and become demotivated. Rather, it is frequently wiser to focus on the main factors that contribute to success and growth while adopting methodical, and occasionally even better, consecutive actions. A flattening growth curve is an issue that many entrepreneurs have successfully navigated by staying focused and staying away from complexity.
Employing Only Those Who Fit
Hiring a lot of people is often necessary for a business to scale. Outstanding talent brings not only more resources but also new knowledge, viewpoints, and innovative ideas. But entrepreneurs have to be careful not to hire people just because they suit the job description. Ignoring cultural fit can have detrimental effects. Keep in mind that one rotten apple may ruin the group and affect the entire team, creating a hostile work environment and increasing employee turnover.
Founders should prioritize building cohesive, cooperative teams that embrace cooperation, complement each other’s talents, and share the same values when hiring, taking into account both functional and cultural fit. The classic quote from Peter Drucker goes, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
Failing to Form a Well-Performing Board of Directors
Investors frequently demand the formation of a board of directors after obtaining the first round of investment. Even while some founders might think of the board as just a place to present data and metrics, a well-run board can make a significant difference in a startup’s ability to succeed. The members’ combined abundance of knowledge and experience is what gives it its actual value. Through their vast startup experience, varied viewpoints, and insightful observations, board members enable a thorough analysis of issues from multiple perspectives.
This strategy reveals creative fixes and novel ideas. Consequently, it is imperative to establish a highly functional board of directors. Building trust between the board members and the leadership team, supplying all pertinent information well in advance of board meetings, creating a comprehensive agenda that centers around the three to five most crucial issues, and skillfully using board meetings to draw on the collective knowledge of all participants are all part of this.
Founders Will Succeed If They Transition From Founders to Leaders
Unquestionably, obtaining venture capital funding is a crucial step for any firm. But it’s just the beginning of the journey towards achievement. Founders have several obstacles to overcome before they can really succeed.
Those who understand the importance of teamwork frequently emerge victorious. They build sincere relationships with all parties concerned and look to investors, board members, and leadership trainers for advice on how to become a highly successful leader, build great teams, and make wise leadership choices.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that, as a startup founder used to working in flat hierarchies, you will unexpectedly find yourself in charge of overseeing a sizable business following a successful funding round. To achieve this effectively, make an investment in honing your leadership abilities rather than taking on further debt.