The Seattle Venture Day event, part of Seattle Tech Week, featured a panel of experienced startup operators and investors who provided brutally honest advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. They emphasized that not everyone is cut out for the entrepreneurial journey, which is often difficult, lonely, and painful. Kirby Winfield, a founding general partner at Ascend, stressed the importance of enjoying the process of building a startup rather than just focusing on the outcome. Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio and co-founder of Smartsheet, highlighted the importance of being an optimist and being persistent to succeed in the startup world.
Kristen Hamilton, a general partner at Enjoy the Work and a serial entrepreneur, emphasized the intense intrinsic motivation required to start a company and the commitment needed once venture money is raised. Jonathan Sposato, chairman at GeekWire and a serial entrepreneur, warned against feeling entitled to a specific outcome and advised against taking rejection personally when seeking funding. These seasoned entrepreneurs shared their insights on the mindset and characteristics needed to succeed in the startup world.
The panelists also discussed the importance of mentors, advisors, colleagues, family, and friends in navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Kristen Hamilton shared how a conversation with Michael Schutzler, CEO of WTIA, changed her perspective on being ready to become a CEO. She emphasized the support and camaraderie of the Seattle startup community and the value of having a supportive ecosystem. Jonathan Sposato highlighted the significance of having a mentor like John Stanton, who provides objective feedback and guidance.
Kirby Winfield expressed his gratitude for his wife, Alison, who has been a supportive partner and a voice of reason throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Maria Colacurcio echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive partner when taking the leap into entrepreneurship. The panelists underscored the critical role that mentors, advisors, and supportive relationships play in navigating the challenges and opportunities of building a startup. They emphasized the value of having a strong support system to lean on during the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey.
Overall, the panelists provided valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch a startup. They emphasized the importance of enjoying the process, maintaining optimism and persistence, and having a strong support system in place. The entrepreneurial journey is not for everyone, but with the right mindset, characteristics, and support network, aspiring entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success in the competitive world of startups. The panelists’ experiences and perspectives shed light on the realities of entrepreneurship and the key factors that contribute to building a successful startup.
