7 LEADERSHIP
KEYS TO
STARTUP
SURVIVAL
ON YOUNG
UPSTARTS
C
reating a startup can be a wild ride, rocketing
from the thrill of launch to a hard landing into the
realities of daily operations in a matter of months.
Today, the average tech startup’s lifespan is just
three years. Even most Fortune 500 companies
last only 15 years these days, as opposed to a
half-century a few decades ago.
In a business environment that demands speed and
transparency, the key to longevity is building a company that
matters. Those who conquer the marketplace matter by becoming
the obvious choice.
They create clear value not just for customers and investors,
but also for their employees, partners, and even competitors. Suc-
cessful companies lead by improving the industry as a whole. They
move toward disruption in ways that drive growth in their markets.
Our research shows that leaders can position a startup for a
successful launch and long-term success if they consider seven
key factors:
FOCUS ON THE FOREST Resist the urge to celebrate
every transaction, focusing instead on milestone victories. A
company too enamored with every buy/sell moment quickly falls
victim to shortsighted decisions. Stay focused on the bigger goals.
Decision-making that considers the market, the community, and
society at large is critical to sustaining relevance. Keep a keen eye
out for potentially useful disruptions, and fi gure out how to leverage
the opportunities they bring.
HIRE THE BEST 8nless they are uniTuely Tualifi ed, this
isn’t the time to hire your buddies. Companies that matter need a
team that can quickly assess market needs, develop an elevated
perspective, establish durable relationships, and, most critically, ex-
ecute on tough decisions. Finding talented people who are commit-
ted to a vision and have meaningful insight creates the foundation
for a successful launch and a company that continues to soar.
PUT VALUE FIRST In today’s marketplace, it’s
not enough to offer super products or great service. Hungry
competitors are constantly emerging and buyer preferences move
fast. A company that creates more value for customers, solves
problems they don’t know they have, and delivers an elevated
impact in the process, will thrive. Envision a full spectrum of value,
where customer problems are solved and changes in the industry
are anticipated and addressed.
04. LOOK AHEAD Futurecasting and foresight are powerful
assets that help you stay on top of your market and anticipate
customers’ needs and wants. Leaders must stay attuned to what
the future holds — and how to thrive in it. Living and learning at
the edge of disruption (yours, your customers’, and your industry’s)
is where you will fi nd the future. Fostering a willingness to share
wisdom across your industry is the best way to gain credibility and
ensure the health of the market.05. GROW UP THOUGHTFULLY From a market share
perspective, a startup has different goals than a maturing company.
Startup cultures are hungry and relentless, often orbiting around a
single decision maker. With growth and maturity, leaders must shift
the culture. It’s essential that decisions and actions align with the
company’s aspirations because more people must make decisions
to keep things growing. This might mean fostering collaboration,
altering organizational structures, and taking the time to ensure that
everyone understands strategies and values.06. PARTNER LIKE YOU MEAN IT Companies that
matter are companies that discover the right partners and build
trusting, open relationships. Don’t waste energy on low-value
partnerships that don’t align with company goals. Remember that
partnerships are by defi nition mutually benefi cial ² both sides
get value out of identifying problems and creating solutions. You
want your partners to succeed, and they feel the same about you.
Otherwise, it isn’t a partnership.07. NEVER SETTLE Working to continually fi nd the ne[t edge
of disruption and move there takes hard work and courage. Compa-
nies that fi nd and deliver on new opportunities are investing in their
own longevity. Consider Adobe, which saw its market dominance
wane as technology changed and competitors emerged. Instead of
digging in, the company redefi ned itself, sei]ing opportunities that
the disrupted market was providing. 1ot only did Adobe help defi ne
the new market, it became the obvious choice for the future.
Startups thrive when they focus on an elevated perspective
and relationships that feed the present and the future to foster
accelerated growth. As fl edgling companies grow and mature,
these tips can help them move through critical infl ection points and
remain relevant. With success comes responsibility. By focusing on
vision, embracing disruption, and working toward the future, any
company can survive startup and become a key infl uencer in its
market and with its customers.T H O U G H T L E A D E R S H I PBy Peter SheahanPeter Sheahan, founder and CEO of Karrikins Group, is known internationally for innovative business thinking and thought leadership.C
reating a startup can be a wild ride, rocketing
from the thrill of launch to a hard landing into the
realities of daily operations in a matter of months.
Today, the average tech startup’s lifespan is just
three years. Even most Fortune 500 companies04. LOOK AHEAD
assets that help you stay on top of your market and anticipate
customers’ needs and wants. Leaders must stay attuned to what
the future holds — and how to thrive in it. Living and learning at
the edge of disruption (yours, your customers’, and your industry’s)