This is not a story about a startup that raised millions and grew exponentially. This is a story about a student finding his ideals, and learning s...
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Starting your own thing will never be an easy road at first, especially if you involve family or friends. They get comfortable because you're "blood"
I agree Charles!
I am happy to see that we are not alone
This is such an interesting article Jelle!
Even though it didn't go well, it's great that you had this experience.
It's admiring that you thought about launching a startup when at university. 👏🏾
I agree with not involving friends and family when it comes to business.
They get comfortable. Plus, there is always that chance that it can ruin the relationship.
Lovely story, keep it up! 😁
Thanks Maddy! I appreciate the kind words.
I have 4-6 true friends. (I'm an introvert and keep a very "closed" circle)
I would be comfortable starting a company with them because I know them so well.
The catch is - I know (near perfectly) their behavior, attitude towards life, the way they make their choices, so I am very much aware of almost all of their "faults" (reasons which might be a cause of friction), and I'm not afraid to point that out because, when it comes to work, I can't compromise in the name of friendship.
What I'm saying is - you tend to know your [close] friends, so it's a good idea to start a business, but make a rule at the beginning - "When it comes to business, we are NOT friends, and I will voice my mind perfectly, because my life is at stake here", and maybe accept the fact that if the other person can't separate business and friendship, then your friendship may end up on the burner.
My personal story
It was a "mini" project in my second semester. I was more interested than my friends in making it the best project (among the rest), but they didn't share my enthusiasm (due to various reasons, incl. interest in the area of systems/OS programming).
I initially resented them, but then realised that we were good at being friends and working on certain things together (like hanging out and solving textbook problems), but a project (in systems) wasn't one of them, and that's fine.
I still love them and we're great friends; I just don't partner with them on projects as their goals/habits are different from mine.
I cannot agree more Tarun! thanks for sharing your story.
The very similar incident happened with me as well. The only difference is now I am running the company with my another partner. 3rd partner left us, even though he was managing everything, only just because of his egotistical attitude and always taking doubts on us.
That sounds tough! Having to deal with such a partner. Good to see you took another approach Dadasaheb! And that you are still in the company.
this is very informative ✍️... thank you for the insight
I also have a startup and this has helped me a lot, thank you 😊
Glad I could help!
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Nice write up ! I also started a startup when I was 19 years old and I also stepped out :) This article inspires me to write my story as well.
You should! I’d love to read your story as well.
All the very best Jelle for your future endeavors.
Thanks Sagar!
Cannot agree more Leonid!
When you create a company from zero and without much money you probably need to take the risk and work with people that you consider friends because you need to trust them. Otherwise you will be working in everything alone meaning that you don't really focus on your skills and the company core.
Starting a company is for sure not easy and I do understand your pain of being responsible for other people's debts and money habits.
Good luck
Thanks Goncalo! You make some good points.
One should consider be be the center of everything that you do and make sure that you are in control of your business.
I think most of us can avoid such a situation simply by doing some research.
I wrote this article some time ago:
12 Extremely Useful Tips for Building a Startup
Some of those tips are based on my personal experience while building Endtest.
You did what you had to do all the best with future roles.