Startup Therapy

Latest Episodes:

Do Founders Deserve Their Profit? Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder navigate the complexities founders face regarding success and societal scrutiny. They delve into the common critiques founders encounter about their profits and perceived entitlement while emphasizing that success should be celebrated not vilified. The conversation provides a detailed look at the multiple layers of taxation startups endure and the misconceptions surrounding founder wealth. They also highlight the emotional toll and risk involved in building a startup, offering insights into the importance of supporting founders and normalizing success.

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 the Startup Therapy Podcast
00:46 The Stigma of Founders' Success
04:47 The Burden of Taxes on Founders
13:55 The Lack of Support During Failure
16:06 Reflecting on College Days and Financial Struggles
16:25 The Reality of Startup Life
17:25 Deserving Success and the Guilt Complex
18:50 Comparing Founders to Other Professions
21:36 The Value of Innovation and Hard Work
25:36 Addressing Income Inequality and Fairness
28:42 Encouraging Charitable Giving and Community Support
30:12 Join the Startups.com Community

The Utter STUPIDITY of "Risking it All" Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

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

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

Why Most Founders Don't Get Rich Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Investors will be Obsolete, The End of Venture Capital Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Why is a Founder so HARD to replace? Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

We Can't Grow by Saying "No" Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

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/

This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Committees are Where Progress Goes to Die Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Giving Up Equity? Press Pause First Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Why Do 99% of Founders Suck at Asking for Help? May 27, 2024

Show notes

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.

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/

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