In the startup world, experience often gets a lot of hype. Serial entrepreneurs and industry veterans are frequently seen as the safest bets for success. But are we putting too much weight on experience?
It’s worth taking a closer look at how we evaluate founders and whether we’re overlooking the potential of the less experienced.
There’s no doubt that experience can be incredibly valuable. A founder who has “been there, done that” can navigate challenges with the wisdom gained from previous ventures.
However, experience can also be a double-edged sword. Here’s why:
Past Success Can Breed Complacency: Founders who’ve had big wins before might assume they’ve already cracked the code. This can lead to complacency—a dangerous mindset in the ever-evolving world of startups. They might stick to what worked in the past, rather than taking the risks needed to innovate.
Industry Expertise Can Create Blind Spots: While deep industry knowledge is certainly an asset, it can also narrow a founder’s perspective. When someone is too entrenched in the “way things have always been done,” they might miss out on fresh, innovative solutions. Sometimes, not knowing all the ins and outs can lead to more creative thinking.
Established Networks Might Hinder Fresh Thinking: A strong network is undeniably beneficial, providing connections, advice, and opportunities. But there’s a downside: it can keep founders within an echo chamber, where everyone reinforces the same ideas and approaches. This can limit exposure to new perspectives and novel ideas.
Some of the biggest success stories in recent years have come from founders who didn’t have decades of experience or deep industry knowledge. Instead, they brought fresh perspectives, a willingness to challenge norms, and an unrelenting drive.
Mark Zuckerberg: A college dropout with no business experience, Zuckerberg turned a dorm room project into Facebook, a platform that reshaped global communication.
Airbnb’s Founders: Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk had no background in hospitality when they started Airbnb. Yet, they revolutionized the industry by seeing an opportunity where seasoned hoteliers saw none.
Stripe’s Collison Brothers: Patrick and John Collison were teenagers when they founded Stripe. With no prior fintech experience, they built one of the world’s most valuable companies by creating a simple solution to a widespread problem.
These examples highlight that sometimes, the most groundbreaking ideas come from those without a traditional resume. It’s not about how many companies a founder has started or how deep their industry expertise runs—it’s about their creativity, passion, and willingness to think differently.
When you’re evaluating a founder, don’t just skim the resume. Look deeper. Consider the idea itself—does it have the potential to disrupt the market? Assess the founder’s hunger, passion, and vision—are they driven to make their idea a reality?
The next unicorn might not come from a founder with a stack of successful exits under their belt. Instead, it could emerge from someone who’s unafraid to challenge the status quo, someone who doesn’t fit the typical mold but is ready to rewrite the rules.
In the end, it’s not about how many times a founder has succeeded in the past—it’s about whether they have the grit, creativity, and ingenuity to succeed in the future. So, keep an open mind. The startup world is full of surprises, and the next big thing could be just around the corner, led by someone you’d least expect.