Hans Yang, head of Microsoft for Startups and a former entrepreneur, delivered a keynote speech at the Red Bull Basement World Final in Tokyo. His address felt more like a heartfelt conversation and less of a business lecture kind.
Yang is an avid surfer and compared the startup journey to riding waves. He offered some of the most relatable advices which startup founders could have asked for.
Yang said that having a mission is important but timing is even more important. Many founders are told to follow their passions, but choosing the moments is more important. He added that value of dedicating time to things truly matter. Every minute wasted is a missed opportunity to build something meaningful.
Yang believes that preparation is the cornerstone of success. He said that people spend countless hours practicing to make oneself ready when the perfect wave appears. This means putting in the work to ensure the product is solid and market research is thorough. This also means that the confidence level is well-earned. Founders should focus on authenticity and ship only what truly believed to be in. they should avoid any pretense of expertise they don’t have.
Yang also shed light on the unseen struggles of young founders. It is easy to get distracted by the highlight reels on social media. However, the glossy posts often hide the real cost of building a startup. One should keep moving forward like a surfer paddling toward the next wave.
He quoted Nelson Mandela: “I never lose. I either win or learn.” He emphasized that failure is a natural part of the process and most successful founders have faced setbacks before finding breakthrough. Every misstep is a chance to grow as well as prepare for the next opportunity.
His advice was shortened as work hard, stay true to vision and seize the moment when the perfect wave comes. Founders of startups won’t just ride the waves, but they will change the world.
