Sahil Bansal’s Post

If you’re someone who thrives in chaos, craves impact, and takes challenges head-on, then read on… because you might just be built for startups. 👇 Here are the signs you’re made for a startup environment: 👇 You Thrive in Ambiguity: If the phrase “figure it out” excites rather than terrifies you, you’re in the right place. Startups demand the ability to navigate unknowns without a roadmap, and those who embrace the journey find the rewards are just as big as the challenges. You’re a Builder at Heart: Whether it’s creating new solutions, shaping processes, or structuring a team from scratch, if you find meaning in building from the ground up, a startup is your playground. You don’t just adapt to change; you drive it. You Move Fast and Keep Up: Startups are about speed without sacrificing quality. If you’re comfortable pivoting on a dime and making decisions quickly while still keeping an eye on the bigger picture, you’re on the right track. You Take Ownership: In startups, there’s no waiting around for someone else to solve a problem. If you see something that needs fixing, you jump in. True ownership means taking responsibility for the wins and the setbacks. You’re Resourceful and Resilient: A startup environment pushes you to find creative solutions, even with limited resources. If you’ve got the grit to keep going when the going gets tough, this is the environment that will shape you into a stronger leader. You Collaborate for the Mission: Startups demand collaboration, often across multiple roles and skill sets. You see yourself as part of something bigger, ready to share ideas, ask for help, and contribute wherever necessary. You’re Relentlessly Optimistic: Startups are hard work and often require a level of optimism and belief that goes beyond the “normal.” You know the odds and keep pushing, fueled by the vision and potential impact you’re working toward. If these sound like you, jump into the world of startups — where every challenge is just another opportunity in disguise. #StartupLife #StartupMindset #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BuildingSomethingGreat

Early startup building is a tight ropewalk between optimism and realism. Optimism is the fuel that powers startups. It's what drives founders to take on "impossible" challenges, persevere through inevitable setbacks, and paint a vivid vision that rallies employees, investors, and partners to their cause. Without a healthy dose of optimism, the startup journey would be near impossible. But rose-tinted glasses can blind us to real obstacles, threats, and negative feedback that demand clear-eyed confrontation. Over-optimism about projections, timelines, and budgets erodes trust and credibility. That's where realism enters the picture. Realism is the ability to see things exactly as they are – not worse, not better. It's what guides founders to pivot when necessary, pause when needed, and navigate in the right direction at the right speed. Realism keeps us grounded while still moving forward. In my experience working with many amazing founders over the years, the ability to masterfully balance optimism with realism is a key trait that sets successful founders apart. It's the balance between these two modes that sharpens your aim towards product-market fit, helping you distinguish between what works and what doesn't. Successful founders dream big while confronting brutal facts. They remain stubborn on vision but flexible on details. They selectively ignore negativity while heeding valid criticism. Optimism is their foundation, but they temper it with regular doses of realism to ensure they are building on solid ground. In times of uncertainty – like the macro environment we find ourselves in today – this balance becomes even more critical. Founders must carefully calibrate how hard and fast to push ahead based on their company's unique circumstances. This balance may not always be innate. But it is something that can be consciously cultivated both within oneself, and across the organization. By fostering an environment where optimism fuels drive and realism guides direction, founders can navigate their startups to not just survive, but thrive. What's one way you keep optimism and realism in balance in your startup? Share your top tip or lesson learned. #startups #vc #saas

3 Main Reasons Startups Fail (And How to Avoid Them) Building a startup is exciting, but let’s be real—it’s tough. After working with many founders and experiencing it firsthand, I’ve seen the same patterns pop up over and over again when startups fail. Here are the top 3 reasons: 1. Lack of Market Need The #1 killer of startups? Building something nobody wants. Many founders get so passionate about their idea that they skip the most important step: validation. You need to make sure there's a real demand for your product. Before investing months (or years) into development, test your idea. Speak to potential customers, create a landing page, and see if people are willing to pay for the solution you’re offering. If no one wants it, even the best product won’t save you. 2. Running Out of Cash Even with a great idea, startups need to manage their runway. Cash flow is critical, and many founders underestimate how quickly expenses pile up. Start lean, focus on the essentials, and always keep an eye on your burn rate. The key is finding the balance between growth and sustainability. You don’t want to scale too quickly without ensuring you have the financial cushion to support it. 3. Team Dysfunction A startup lives or dies by its team. I’ve seen amazing products fail because of poor team dynamics or a lack of alignment between founders. Miscommunication, unclear roles, and mismatched visions create friction that can tear a startup apart. A strong, aligned team with complementary skills can navigate tough times. Make sure everyone’s on the same page from day one, and never underestimate the importance of trust and collaboration. Startups are hard, but with the right focus on solving a real problem, managing cash, and building a solid team, you can avoid these pitfalls and thrive.

🚀 As a startup CEO, navigating the challenges and opportunities that come your way can be exhilarating yet daunting. Here are 5 tips to help you steer your startup towards success: 1️⃣ Focus on your core strengths: Identify what sets your startup apart and double down on it. Whether it's innovation, customer service, or market agility, staying true to your core strengths will guide your decisions and drive your growth. 2️⃣ Build a stellar team: Your team is your greatest asset. Hire smart, diverse talent who are passionate about your mission. Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning to harness their full potential. 3️⃣ Embrace agility and adaptability: Startups thrive on flexibility. Stay agile in responding to market changes, customer feedback, and industry trends. Be ready to pivot if needed, and view challenges as opportunities for innovation. 4️⃣ Prioritize customer feedback: Your customers hold the key to your startup's success. Actively listen to their feedback, analyze it, and use it to refine your product or service. Building strong customer relationships will fuel your growth. 5️⃣ Focus on sustainable growth: While rapid growth is exciting, ensure it's sustainable. Manage your resources wisely, maintain a clear financial strategy, and prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. Leading a startup is a journey filled with learning and growth. By focusing on these principles, you can navigate challenges with confidence and drive your startup towards sustainable success. What other tips would you add for startup CEOs? #StartupCEO #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipTips #Startups #LinkedInPost

"One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again." - Abraham Maslow. This quote perfectly encapsulates the mindset needed to choose a startup or scaleup. Both offer unique personal and professional growth opportunities but have inherent risks and uncertainties. Choosing to work in a startup or scaleup is a conscious decision to prioritize growth over safety. 1️⃣ Undefined roles: In startups and scaleups, you often face new challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Embracing these challenges will lead to rapid personal and professional growth. 2️⃣ Roller-coaster journey: The ups and downs of a startup or scaleup will help you develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Navigating through the uncertainties will make you stronger and more adaptable. 3️⃣ Fast-paced growth: The rapid growth of the company requires everyone to grow alongside it. You must be willing to learn quickly and continuously evolve or risk being left behind. 4️⃣ Impact and ownership: In a small company, you have not only the opportunity but also the responsibility to make an impact and take ownership. No one else will pick up what you drop, which fosters a strong sense of accountability and personal growth. 5️⃣ Passionate and creative environment: Startups and scaleups attract passionate and creative individuals. Surrounding yourself with such people provides countless opportunities to learn and grow at every step of your journey. #startups #entrepreneurship #personaldevelopment

One thing I’ve been reflecting on lately is the idea of power dynamics in startups. It’s easy for founders to say, “Voice your opinion,” but for many employees, that’s easier said than done. There’s often a perceived gap - people feel like they don’t have the authority to speak up, and that gap makes them hesitate. But here’s my take: Power comes from authenticity. If you’re honest and straightforward, your voice will be heard. Especially in a startup, being straight and direct is a trait that simply can’t be ignored. In fact, in a fast-moving environment, not being authentic or fooling yourself can lead to a quick downfall. That’s why startups naturally attract those who speak up and are true to themselves. The truth is, in a well-functioning startup, there shouldn’t be a rigid power structure. The idea that “I can’t speak because my boss outranks me” is more of a mindset people carry from traditional corporate environments. But in reality, power comes from being real and contributing honestly. Authenticity should dissolve any power dynamic. That being said, I also understand that people often feel there’s a gap and are hesitant to voice their thoughts. It’s up to founders to create a space where everyone feels encouraged to share. While building a culture of openness and authenticity is the long-term solution, in the meantime, we need to make room for junior team members to feel comfortable enough to speak up. At the end of the day, startups thrive on honest conversations and authentic contributions—there’s no room for artificial power dynamics. #startups #entrepreneurship #team #workculture

Wondering how to keep your startup moving forward in uncertain times? For startup founders, today’s market can feel like an uphill battle. As hiring freezes become more common and economic uncertainty limits resources, sustaining growth may feel challenging—but it’s far from impossible. In fact, challenging times can actually present the perfect opportunity to double down on what sets your startup apart. Here’s how to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough: 🔹 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 In volatile markets, adaptability is key. Instead of over-investing in long-term projects, lean into a more agile approach. Break down larger goals into achievable, short-term milestones. This allows you to pivot quickly when market dynamics change and helps keep your team’s momentum strong. 🔹 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 Even when hiring is slow, your network can be your strongest ally. Reach out to mentors, industry peers, and customers to gain insights, brainstorm ideas, and find collaboration opportunities. Building relationships during tough times pays dividends when the market rebounds. 🔹 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦’𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 If hiring is out of reach, consider reskilling or upskilling your current team. Not only does this broaden their skill set, but it also empowers them to take on new challenges and grow within the company. This approach builds loyalty and keeps your business flexible in tackling new demands. 🔹 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 During economic downturns, customers and clients are more selective with their investments. Sharpening your value proposition—understanding what sets your product apart and why it’s essential—will help you retain customers and attract new ones, even when budgets are tight. 🔹 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 Sustainability matters more than speed when resources are limited. Streamline processes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and ensure every decision aligns with long-term goals. Sustainable growth can set you up for a powerful rebound when the market picks up. 💼 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: Resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about positioning yourself for success on the other side. Embrace these times as a chance to strengthen your foundation, empower your team, and connect with your network. Every move you make now can pave the way for a thriving, sustainable business when the tide turns. #startups #entrepreneurship #venturecapital (Thanks Aleem)

In a startup, you can't do it all alone. When I first co-founded Scale to Global, I quickly realized that choosing the right team is crucial. We often think about working with people we like or get along with. But there's more to it. Complementary skills are the secret sauce. In those early days, when it was just two or three of us, every task felt monumental. We had to wear multiple hats and juggle countless responsibilities. That’s why having a team with diverse skills made all the difference. Here's what I’ve learned: - Skills Over Friendships: It's tempting to pick teammates you enjoy spending time with. But the real value lies in what each person brings to the table. Skills should be the top priority. - Balanced Skill Sets: A team with a mix of technical, creative, and operational skills can tackle challenges more effectively. Each member should complement the others. - Adaptability: In a startup, roles can change quickly. Team members who are adaptable and willing to learn new skills are invaluable. - Emotional Intelligence: Soft skills and emotional intelligence are just as important. They help in navigating the ups and downs of startup life. The result? We’re not just surviving; we’re scaling and innovating every day. Remember, in a startup, it’s the team’s collective strength that propels you forward. What's your strategy for building a balanced team in your startup? #Startups #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship #CoFounder #Scaleup #Startuptalent #Hiring Scale To Global

"𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬" 1. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 When considering a startup role, it’s essential to prioritize commitment over convenience. Startups demand more than just time; they require dedication to making a real impact. If you’re not ready to embrace challenges and push boundaries, a startup might not be the right fit for you. 2. 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Passion is the driving force behind innovation in startups. If you’re not deeply excited by the mission and driven by a shared vision, it will be hard to thrive. Bring your enthusiasm and creativity; they are the fuels of progress. 3. 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙮 The startup environment is inherently unpredictable. Embrace this uncertainty as a chance for growth and learning. If you’re uncomfortable with change and ambiguity, navigating the startup world may be a challenge. 4. 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Success in a startup relies heavily on collaboration. Be prepared to work closely with a diverse team, share ideas, and support each other. Strong, collaborative efforts are the foundation of achieving shared goals. 5. 𝘽𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙨 Startups often require wearing multiple hats and tackling responsibilities beyond your initial role. Flexibility and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone are essential for making a significant impact. #StartupAdvice #CareerInStartups #ProfessionalGrowth #StartupSuccess #CareerTips #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurialMindset #WorkCulture #Leadership #CareerDevelopment

I asked 50 startup founders one simple question: “What early career mistake will you never make again?” The result: 4 profound mistakes everyone (from interns to executives) should avoid in their startup journey. Let's dive in: Mistake 1: Ignoring Growth Too often, founders choose to focus on the finer details of their product or service. Instead, startup leaders should be focused on achieving consistent, sustainable growth. This is what ends up making the biggest difference. Mistake 2: Misunderstanding Market Size A good founder can create a product that solves a problem. A bad founder can create a product that no one wants. But a legendary founder can create a product that caters to a massive market. Mistake 3: Overlooking the Importance of a Lean Startup Until you’ve secured substantial funding, don't take your eye off the ball. “Stay lean, stay hungry” is a mantra many successful founders swear by. Mistake 4: Underestimating the Power of Networking Traditional wisdom says """"It's not what you know, it's who you know"""". But that’s only true if you don’t do two things correctly: - Consistently develop your skills and knowledge - Build a strong, supportive network Then, the adage """"It's not what you know, it's who you know"""" works great. Avoid these pitfalls in your startup journey and you'll stand a much better chance of success. What other mistakes have you learned to avoid as a founder? #Startup #BusinessMistakes #LeadershipMistakes