Start-ups that channel their scarce resources in too many directions risk losing sight of their strategic goals – and that is precisely what jeopardizes growth.
👉 In recent months, we have observed two patterns in numerous projects:
Example 1: Cash burn trap
A tech start-up onboarded customer services that had nothing to do with the strategic vision – just to reduce cash burn. Result: The start-up and the founders were preoccupied for 6 months – with zero strategic added value.
Example 2: Growth illusion
A SaaS start-up was delighted to have many new customers. The problem? Most of them came via random inbound enquiries with no real strategic scaling opportunities. The team lost half a year on the way to their growth target.
💡 Conclusion:
Focus is an absolute game changer, especially for start-ups. Management capacities are extremely limited. Successful founders are “focussed like a laser” and regularly ask themselves: would this decision contribute to our vision or is it distracting us?
As an advisory board member and investor, you are also well advised to support your founders by consistently demanding and exemplifying a focussed approach.
