The Invisible Barrier

Working harder nearly killed my first startup. No one talks about an invisible barrier in 50%+ startups. And you can't outwork it.

Most founders think they fail due to poor product, weak marketing, or ineffective sales.

They're wrong.

After building and selling two companies, I've watched countless startups (including my own) hit the same invisible wall:

Your startup gets stuck, but you have no idea why.

You've got solid traction. Your product works. Customers love you. Then suddenly:

• Marketing costs mysteriously rise

• Sales cycles stretch from 30 to 90+ days

• You're constantly compared to competitors you're nothing like

• Word of mouth works great, but paid acquisition doesn't

• Your team is executing harder than ever, but growth keeps slowing

  
  

The truth I learned after 17 years as a founder:

You don't have 10 execution problems. You have ONE fundamental misalignment.

And you can't hustle, grind, or optimize your way out of it.

Most founders respond by doubling down on execution: "Let's rebuild our marketing!" "We need more sales headcount!" "Our product needs better features!"

This is exactly how promising startups die. Slowly, painfully, while working harder than ever.

What's worse, VCs know this problem exists, but rarely have the tools or time to help you navigate it.

This invisible barrier has killed more promising startups than any other factor I've seen. And nobody talks about it.

Noticed any of these symptoms in your business? They aren't normal growing pains - they're warning signs of a fundamental misalignment that's holding you back.