Launching a startup is like blasting off into space. 90% of the fuel is used to lift off.

After operating tech startups for 8 years, here are 3x pieces of advice that I share with early-stage founders: → 1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 = 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 • 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: Surround yourself with those who wish you well and fearlessly spotlight your blindspots. • 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: This is your special forces unit. Nurture their growth mindset relentlessly. Empower them through belief & guidance. • 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀: Fellow founders. Their success is yours & vv. Keep sharing. → 2️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 • Niche is gold. Consider angel investors over VCs. • Over-funding is a stealthy startup assassin. • Focus on your strengths to create FOMO. → 3️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 — 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 • If it doesn't concern building or selling, outsource it. • Embrace transparency and cultivate a community. • Momentum is key, keep shipping. Launching a startup is like sending a rocket to space—it takes 90% of the fuel to lift off. So keep your eyes on the prize, find that magic use case, and never stop pushing.