Why attracting talented people is one of the biggest challenges for early-stage startups—and how you can overcome it

One of the most rewarding aspects of building a company is the opportunity to work with talented people. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brilliant minds who helped shape my companies, including ve2.ventures today. But along with the good came the challenges. Finding the right people—and keeping them—is one of the biggest hurdles founders face. The lessons I’ve learned over time are ones I now share with other founders to help them build great teams, too.

So, what advice would I give to the next founder? It would be this:

1. Communicate a clear vision. This helps new talent connect with your mission. When people can see themselves in the journey and identify with the vision, they’re more inclined to stick around.
2. Build a strong brand that inspires. Make people feel like they’re part of something larger than just a job. Whether it’s cool innovation, positive social impact, or cutting-edge technology, find a core brand purpose that resonates.
3. Trust your team. Let people make mistakes, coach them through it, and repeat. This isn’t just advice—DON’T MICROMANAGE. Give people the space to be entrepreneurs within the organisation.
4. Acknowledge and reward effort. Startups are hard work. People will often take on tasks outside their job description, work longer hours, and do whatever it takes to succeed. Create a reward system that fits your culture to show appreciation for their dedication.
5. Provide growth opportunities. Give talent a pathway from junior to lead roles. Be clear about these paths and ensure they’re constantly learning and advancing.

I’ve been fortunate to keep a core team around me for the past few years, and they’ve been instrumental in building successful companies and products. But the journey of building a strong team is ongoing. Attracting and retaining talent isn’t a one-time effort; it requires consistent focus and intention. As your startup grows, the needs and dynamics of your team will shift, and so will their expectations and challenges. Keep checking in, nurturing their growth, and reinforcing that shared purpose and vision.

Ultimately, building a strong team is about creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and genuinely excited to contribute. When you achieve this, your startup becomes more than just a place to work—it becomes a place where people see the impact of their efforts and grow alongside the company. With the right people, given trust and the freedom to thrive, your startup can achieve remarkable success.