Startups often appear as the ultimate dream and believed to be a place where creativity flows, ideas thrive as well as success stories inspire millions. However, Edelweiss Mutual Fund Managing Director and CEO Radhika Gupta has a different view. She said that the “startup romance” is far from reality in a recent social media post related to the challenges entrepreneurs face and why it is important to see beyond the glossy image.
Gupta added that startups are often portrayed as casual and fun environments equipped with cool co-working spaces, endless brainstorming sessions and exciting funding rounds. She argues and suggests not to fall for it as the reality is much harsher. Founders face endless struggles like tight budgets, constant rejections, difficulty hiring the right talent and immense pressure to make money. It is not all drinks on Friday evenings and “gyan” on social media, but it is of course a relentless hard work and uncertainty.
Her post attracted comments and one user argued that the pressure for revenue is real, but it is also often a personal choice that startup founders make. Another user highlighted the tough world of startup where long hours don’t guarantee success and five success stories are also accompanied with 95 failures. Social media just adds to the illusion of an easy path to glory.
The words of Gupta also brought attention to a serious issue and argued on the toll that startup life takes on health. She referred to the recent passing of Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder of Epigamia, who died at just 41 due to a cardiac arrest. Gupta expressed it as heartbreaking to see stress-related deaths in their 40s and 50s are becoming common. Her takeaway is the importance of being grateful and managing stress wisely.
Her perspective is a reality check for those who are enchanted by the startup dream. Success stories are of course inspiring, but the success stories also often leave out the sleepless nights, tough decisions and personal sacrifices.
Startup life isn’t just about glamour; it’s about grit, resilience, and finding balance amid chaos.
