The 3Cs Every Founder Needs: Capital, Coaching, Community ??

Building a startup is often glamorized, but anyone who’s done it knows the journey is gritty, full of challenges, and requires constant learning. Along the way, I've been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people—advisors, angels, and peers—who have shared their wisdom and helped me navigate these ups and downs while building Layerpath .

Recently, some key conversations have reinforced a simple truth: a startup’s foundation rests on three essential C’s—Capital, Coaching, and Community.

1. Capital ??: More Than Just Money

Yes, every startup needs capital, but the right kind of capital is even more important. The goal isn’t just raising a huge round to grab headlines—it’s about having enough capital to keep moving forward at critical junctures.

• True capital should support sustainable growth, giving you the runway to iterate, hire the right people, and address real user problems—not just fulfill milestones set for vanity.

• The amount of capital matters less than how it’s used. Too much capital can lead to inefficiency. Too little, and you might miss out on key opportunities. The focus should be building momentum in the right direction, not just burning through cash.

In my experience, real success comes when you stay scrappy, use funds wisely, and understand that capital is simply a tool to build something meaningful.

2. Coaching ??: The Right Kind of Guidance

Coaching is critical, but not all coaching is created equal. The people around me aren’t just “advisors” in the formal sense—they’re sounding boards who listen deeply and help me confront gaps in my thinking. They don’t give me the answers but guide me toward finding them.

• True coaching is about asking the right questions—forcing reflection on whether we’re tackling the right problems, not just providing solutions. Some of the best advice I’ve received wasn’t about what to build but about how to validate whether it’s worth building in the first place.
• And here’s the thing—coaching doesn’t always come from experts in your industry. It can come from people who challenge you to think differently, to stay focused on the fundamentals, and to push you towards self-awareness.

One of the most significant insights I’ve learned from my circle is that problem-first thinking is the only way to ensure we build something truly valuable. Start with the problem, validate it deeply, and only then move to solutions.

3. Community ??: The Power of Connection

Community isn’t just about having a massive following. It’s about having a small, tight-knit group of people who are genuinely invested in your success. These people show up for you in the tough times and provide honest, unfiltered feedback.

• Building a great community doesn’t take hundreds or thousands of people. Sometimes, just a few dedicated individuals will push you to improve and keep you accountable.
• From customer discovery, I’ve seen firsthand how the right feedback from the right people can change the course of what you’re building. It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality.

The strongest communities are built on trust and shared goals. They hold you accountable, cheer you on, and sometimes give you the tough love necessary to grow.

Lessons from the Journey So Far: Focus on Problems, Not Solutions ??

We always hear the phrase: "Don’t build solutions for problems that don’t exist." But until you experience this firsthand, it’s easy to fall into the solution-first trap. I’ve been there. I’ve made those mistakes. ??

• YouTube videos, blog posts, and YC wisdom all say the same thing, but real learning happens when you make those mistakes and reflect. ??
• Problem-first thinking is the only way to create a product that truly matters. Your roadmap and future milestones must be grounded in real, validated user problems—not just cool features.

I’ve realized that while long-term vision is critical, you can’t jump ahead of your milestones. Stay laser-focused on validating the current problem before moving on to future challenges. ??

Key takeaway:

Don’t build features for the loudest 20% of your users. Validate with the other 80%, because they’re often the silent majority.

Generalists vs. Specialists ??

Why Being a Generalist Is OK Early On!

One key insight I’ve gained as I build Layerpath is that early-stage startups are all about having generalists on the team. You don’t need specialists from day one. Having a team of problem solvers who can adapt quickly and wear multiple hats is far more valuable.

• Generalists are nimble—they can pivot, handle diverse tasks, and move fast. In the chaos of the early stages, this flexibility is often more critical than narrow expertise.
• Specialists will become necessary later, especially once you hit product-market fit (PMF) and need to scale. But until then, being lean and adaptable is the game's name.

Advisor Compensation ??: A Lesson from Immad Akhund

One of my favorite pieces of advice about compensating advisors comes from Immad Akhund , the founder of Mercury . His approach is refreshingly straightforward:

Don’t give away startup equity to advisors.

• Successful people will advise for free to give back.
• Successful people can invest.
• If neither applies,?hire them as contractors with defined deliverables and pay equity monthly.

This perspective has shifted how I think about bringing advisors on board. Advisors' value isn’t always about immediate monetary contributions—it’s their guidance, experience, and network. And when the time comes to compensate, clarity and structure in those relationships are key.

Mistakes and Growth: Embrace the Journey ??

Finally, the journey of building a startup is one of constant reflection. I’ve made my share of mistakes—sometimes chasing the wrong problems, moving too fast, getting stuck in the weeds. But the biggest takeaway is that mistakes are inevitable, but growth is optional.

• The real challenge lies in recognizing when to pivot, when to dig in, and when to step back and reflect. Surrounding myself with a solid network of capital, coaching, and community has been key in staying grounded and moving forward.
• A long-term vision is important, but it should never distract you from focusing on the immediate problems. The future is built on solving today’s problems, one step at a time.

Final Thoughts & Action Steps ??

As I reflect on this journey, here are a few guiding principles I’m committing to:

• Problem validation comes first. Before executing, I’ll ensure we solve a real, validated user pain point.
• Keep learning cycles short. We’ll prioritize fast, iterative feedback loops—days or weeks, not months.
• Leverage the 3Cs. Continue to rely on Capital, Coaching, and Community to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Startup life is messy, iterative, and full of lessons. But with the right support systems in place, every step forward is a step in the right direction. ??

Thanks to Y Combinator , Ash Maurya from LEANSTACK , Immad Akhund from Mercury , and all the incredible people in my network for their continued wisdom and guidance.