It's a Dog's Life as a Start-up Founder!

Have you wondered about the real life of start-up founders? Is it a life full of freedom and glory as reported in the media? What does it feel like when you have been a founder for over a decade? 

Why is it a Dog's life?

Like a dog, the entire life cycle from 'puppy' to 'old dog' lasts about a decade or little more until it's time to reincarnate into another life. Yes, you need to have 10-12 years of life as a start-up founder in your plans - not the 6 month window that many people mistakenly believe the start-up adventure to last in recent times. The analogy applies to both the founder and start-up as they often reflect each other!

Lovable as a 'puppy' - the first 6 months 

Sure, the best time for a start-up founder is the first 6 months as a 'puppy' full of excitement and passion. You are allowed to 'chew' up the furniture, jump on the bed and do all sorts of antics - all the experience of freedom and new birth :-)

Now, looking at the start-up in the first 6 months is similar to people getting a dog home. Many times, first time owners (start-up founders) realize that it's not that easy. You have to clean the poo and learn to keep basic hygiene. Often, founders give up and want to return back the dog. Only those with commitment continue beyond the initial few months of freedom. 

Curious Dog - Growing up Years 

Next few years are great times for growth, those dogs that survive the first few months and learnt the basic hygiene at home or better still learnt to survive on the streets - will grow up quickly into a decent size. Until you are 3-4 years old, everyone still calls you a start-up (new dog) and you are expected to learn and grow (tricks and treats)

Somewhere at this stage in life, when you are 3-4 years old as a start-up - its the most glorious time to be a dog. Both the founder and start-up are in full glory and at their height of achievements. Some of them win dog shows and become top dogs in their category (consumer internet, SaaS, Enterprise etc.). In the dog world, you have done very well to last 3-4 years and grow into a handsome suitor - there will be many proposals for matrimony (mergers and acquisitions). Enjoy the good times :-)

Mature Dog - no longer a start-up

After about 4-5 years, the founder and start-up venture are no longer the flavor of the month. Like anybody else, they are supposed to become 'mature'. Sure, you are still young and full of energy - but everyone expects you to behave like a good dog. Things have become routine, nothing exciting happens to you.

Many start-up founders begin to ask at this stage 'what next'. Not so easy, commitments (equity options vesting etc.) have to be kept and you have to learn to live with other dogs. 

Old Dog - time to reincarnate?

Finally, the last stage begins in Year 8 and goes on for the rest of life of the dog. No longer written about in the media (anyone remembers David Filo and Yang?) or considered top dogs (laggard like Yahoo!). Still, you cannot give up on commitments and continue to play the founder. In some way, you still own the territory (buying other dogs with your equity). Its time for a reincarnation and begin a new life.

And what do the top dogs reincarnate into - the founder's become breeders - venture capitalists :-)

Not your image of being a start-up founder? Did you think it makes you a God?

Naah, you are just a dog and 'its a dog's life' :-)

"The author has been a street dog who lived the entire life cycle as a founder and worked closely with top dogs in the world. He is now keen to disrupt how start-up industry works and give street dogs a better chance for survival. At least, he will change the world of dogs ;-)" 

Bharat Gera

www.thinkahead.in