What Founders Always Get Wrong (and What to Do Instead)

with Massimiliano Sulpizi, Founder of EquityMatch

Is your startup built to last—or just built to pitch?

In this episode of Between Data and Risk, Dr. Marian Siwiak sits down with investor, advisor, and EquityMatch founder Massimiliano Sulpizi to talk about the harsh truths behind startup success (and failure). It’s not just about the idea. It’s not just about the pitch. It’s about execution, mindset, and knowing what problem you’re actually solving.

Massimiliano pulls back the curtain on the evolving European startup scene, why most founders don’t really understand their product’s value, and how EquityMatch is building a smarter way to support early-stage entrepreneurs. From navigating cash flow and market fit to hiring mistakes and scaling traps, this episode is packed with unfiltered advice from someone who’s seen what works—and what doesn't.

Key topics we cover:

- Why execution beats ideas every time

- The cost of chasing trends vs. solving real problems

- When you shouldn’t raise venture capital

- How the hype around AI is fueling founder delusion

- Why humility, planning, and cash discipline win in the long run

- Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation is your reality check—and your roadmap.

🔗 Find Massimiliano here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimiliano-sulpizi/

🌐 Learn more about his work: https://www.equitymatch.co/

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