Why should you join or build a startup?

Why should you join or build a startup?

Hi everyone!

First of all. Thank you Jonas for giving me the opportunity of writing a post for the StartupMalaga blog.

I have been part of the startup community in Malaga for a bit longer than a year, but nevertheless I have been quite active when it comes to networking. I do believe that networking plays an important part of the key to success in any business, but it is especially important when you are building a startup. Feel free to follow or invite me to connect on LinkedIn.

As usual at my posts, I only share my personal experience and opinion on a given topic; I am not Mark Zuckerberg, Guy Kawasaki or anyone like that, I am just a passionate entrepreneur looking to become the best possible version of himself.

What is a startup anyways? Why is it trendy to be part of one? 

According to Wikipedia, a startup is a business in the form of a company, a partnership or temporary organization designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model. These companies, generally newly created, are in a phase of development and research for markets.  

Wikipedia’s definition is just that, a definition that doesn’t say much to me. To me a startup, it’s the most rapid-growth environment I have worked in, a provider of the toughest situations and the most exciting opportunities for developing new skills, strengthen my character and improving myself as a human being. A place to meet and network with amazing professionals driven by their dreams. A momentum within my life, a way of living. 

How did I end up in the startup world? Well… that is quite a story, however, since I don’t want to bore you, I will sum it up… I was living in Prague, working for an international company, and looking forward to come back to my dear Malaga meanwhile quitting the corporate lifestyle. At the same time, I had a friend who was founding a startup and needed some help with sales. Since I was a sales professional looking for new opportunities, I thought it was a direct match. Basically, I saw an opportunity and grabbed it. 

I think that any reason is not good enough to become part of a startup… please don’t fool yourself thinking that having a billion dollar idea is enough reason, since as many business angels say: “the idea is worth less than 20% of the company”. What matters is the partners you choose for that long trip, how you execute the business plan and how your product is positioned in the market you are targeting. 

Why should you join or build a startup?

Because you have the feeling that is the right thing to do. If your heart tells you so, it is probably right. Your product and business case has to be strong, and the mindset of the founding team has to be balanced. If all those issues are not a concern, then you are probably at the right spot, at the right time.

Startups are not for everyone, and that’s why 95% of them fail within the first 2 years. Ventafun started with 3 founding partners, joining 2 other partners within the first 6 months, and developing a SaaS solution for promoting businesses on the streets.  One year later, there are 3 partners left, and the business model changed 180º, becoming the place of connection between businesses and influencers to promote products and services. 

As you can see from my story, startups are volatile, risky and fun. So my recommendation for all of you is to join a startup if you can. 

I will make the most of this occasion to promote our LinkedIn group: Málaga esStartup where you can find news related to startups in Malaga, upcoming events and other interesting posts for any entrepreneur. If you have any doubts, comments or suggestions, feel free to reach me out on carlos@ventafun.com and I will be glad to reply all of you.

Best regards,

Carlos Tíscar