Startup Therapy

Startup Therapy

By Startups.comBusiness
Download on the App Store

Startup Therapy episodes

  • The Utter STUPIDITY of "Risking it All"

    In this episode we discuss the myth of the 'bet it all' startup mentality. They highlight the importance of downside risk planning and how successful risk management plays a crucial role in startup success

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    What to listen for:
    00:00 Introduction to Startup Therapy
    00:28 The Myth of Betting It All
    01:36 The Reality of Downside Protection
    06:18 Case Study: The Zirtual Acquisition
    11:24 The Importance of Backup Plans
    18:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    22 min
  • Why Most Founders Don't Get Rich

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the common struggles of making money in the startup world. They explore the 'noble' but flawed narrative that founders shouldn't pay themselves, why aiming too big too soon can prevent profitability, and the cycle of raising funding that often leaves founders broke.

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    What to Listen For
    00:00 Introduction to Startup Therapy

    00:23 The Broken Narrative of Not Getting Paid

    02:35 Self-Sabotage and Going Too Big

    04:08 The Funding Trap

    05:41 The Harsh Realities of Raising Money

    12:07 The Never-Ending Hunger of Startups

    14:36 Reinvesting in Growth

    15:06 The Reality of Increased Liabilities

    15:59 The Fear of Taking Money Off the Table

    17:00 The Importance of Paying Yourself

    18:14 Balancing Profit Sharing and Salaries

    19:07 The Misconception of Startup Growth

    21:13 The Dangers of Not Taking Money Off the Table

    26:09 Common Sense in Startup Land

    27:08 Conclusion: Get Paid Now


    29 min
  • Investors will be Obsolete, The End of Venture Capital

    In this episode, we discuss the potential obsolescence of venture capital due to advancements in AI technology. We explore how reduced startup costs and increased efficiency might reshape the future of funding in the startup ecosystem.

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    What to Listen For
    00:00 Image a World Without Investors
    02:16 The Rise of AI and Its Impact
    03:01 Cost Reduction in Startups
    06:05 The Future of Staffing and Marketing
    08:37 Automation in Back Office Operations
    13:04 The Changing Role of Investors
    24:21 The Reality of VC Advice
    27:57 The Future of Capital Needs
    31:22 AI's Impact on Investment
    34:40 Reimagining Investment Models
    40:20 The Democratization of Startups

    48 min
  • Why is a Founder so HARD to replace?

    The Irreplaceable Founder. Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the irreplaceable role of founders in startups. They explore why removing a founder often leads to failure, the unique value and vision founders bring, and the difference between operational tasks and the founder's core contributions.

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    What to Listen For
    00:00 Founder’s Role in a Startup
    01:16 Challenges of Replacing a Founder
    03:04 Founder’s Vision
    05:43 Founder’s Passion
    07:02 Founder’s Decisions
    09:17 The Unique Value of Founders
    20:06 Sales Process and Financials
    22:49 Management by Walking Around
    25:28 Risk Tolerance in Founders vs. Hired CEOs
    33:07 Challenges of Replacing a Founder
    37:54 Join the Startups.com Community

    39 min
  • We Can't Grow by Saying "No"

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan (CMO at Startups.com) and Wil Schroter (CEO at Startups.com) discuss the importance of saying yes to growth opportunities that startups have not previously tried. They emphasize that startups thrive by committing to new challenges, even if the path isn't immediately clear, and how this willingness to stretch can affect interactions with customers, investors, and staff. 

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    36 min
  • This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems

    Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing liabilities can be riskier than anticipated and the importance of balancing growth with stability.


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/


    What to Listen For
    00:00 The Illusion of Milestones
    02:46 Scaling Challenges
    05:33 Weight of Responsibilities
    13:37 New Nodes of Problems
    16:21 The Reality of Scaling a Team
    20:05 The Myth of Effortless Wealth
    22:59 The Importance of Sustainable Growth
    26:20 The Pitfalls of Chasing High Valuations
    28:22 Setting Realistic Business Goals
    30:24 How to Enjoy Your Business

    32 min
  • Committees are Where Progress Goes to Die

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the inefficiencies and dangers of making decisions by committee. Why committees often fail and why founders should avoid relying on them for critical decisions. Tune in to learn why decisive, individual leadership is key to startup success.

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    What to Listen For
    00:00 Intro
    01:34 The reality of committee decision-making
    07:06 The problem with collective accountability
    11:38 The downside of inclusive decision-making
    15:38 The myth of the best decision
    17:46 The importance of accountability
    23:04 The danger of removing consequences
    28:27 Leadership is about making the tough decisions

    30 min
  • Giving Up Equity? Press Pause First

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we talk about equity distribution in startups. Explore the psychological traps of seeking validation, the dangers of making hasty decisions when most vulnerable, and offer practical advice on how to navigate these challenges. Tune in to learn why patience and cautious decision-making are key to safeguarding the future value of your company.

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    What to Listen For
    00:00 Intro

    01:00 The Vulnerability of Early-Stage Founders

    06:45 Evaluating Potential Co-Founders

    07:55 The Risk of Overpaying for Talent

    13:38 Milestones and Deliverables

    17:00 Vulnerability in Decision Making

    18:27 The True Cost of Equity

    24:09 The Fallacy of Immediate Gratification

    28:34 Why Wait and Evaluate

    38 min
  • Why Do 99% of Founders Suck at Asking for Help?

    In this insightful episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the importance of asking questions as a startup founder.Why founders often hesitate to seek advice, the untapped wealth of knowledge available? 


    You will find tips on how to develop the muscle for asking the right questions — founders do not need to reinvent the wheel. 


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    30 min
  • The Value of Actually Getting Paid (Avoid This Big Danger)

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter, discuss the misconception that startup founders are incredibly wealthy on paper, while in reality, many struggle with personal financial stability. See the importance of paying yourself regularly, even when building a high-potential startup. Consistently getting paid, no matter how small, is crucial to long-term success and personal well-being. 

    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:
    Startup Therapy Podcast 
    https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
    Website
    https://www.startups.com/begin
    LinkedIn 
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

    Join our Network of Top Founders 
    Wil Schroter
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
    Ryan Rutan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    35 min

About Startup Therapy

From the publisher's feed

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles…

More shows like Startup Therapy

This Week in Startups by Jason Calacanis

This Week in Startups

1,288 Listeners

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch by Harry Stebbings

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

540 Listeners

The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors by SaaStr

The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

177 Listeners

The Knowledge Project by Shane Parrish

The Knowledge Project

2,694 Listeners

Startups For the Rest of Us by Rob Walling

Startups For the Rest of Us

699 Listeners

The a16z Show by Andreessen Horowitz

The a16z Show

1,090 Listeners

The SaaS Podcast: How B2B SaaS & AI Founders Get Customers by Omer Khan

The SaaS Podcast: How B2B SaaS & AI Founders Get Customers

185 Listeners

Founders by David Senra

Founders

2,202 Listeners

The Pitch by Josh Muccio

The Pitch

1,478 Listeners

Masters of Scale by WaitWhat

Masters of Scale

3,981 Listeners

Y Combinator Startup Podcast by Y Combinator

Y Combinator Startup Podcast

222 Listeners

My First Million by Hubspot Media

My First Million

2,647 Listeners

Moneywise by Hampton

Moneywise

656 Listeners

Lightcone Podcast by Y Combinator

Lightcone Podcast

20 Listeners

David Senra by Scicomm Media

David Senra

246 Listeners