Experts

Why it matters: Without a clear financial plan, a startup loses the trust of investors. Finance is the language every founder must understand.

Best practice: A simple and realistic financial model with cash flow projections. Show not only growth but also the path to profitability.

Common mistake: Founders underestimate the numbers and focus only on the product, then get caught off guard by investors’ questions.

Why it matters: Even the best product means nothing without the first customers and distribution channels.

Best practice: Start with a clearly defined ICP (ideal customer profile), test small channels and scale only after validation.

Common mistake: “We will build it and people will come.” They will not.

Why it matters: The very first version of a product must be stable and meet real customer needs.

Best practice: A lean approach – rapid prototyping, collecting feedback, building only what customers truly want.

Common mistake: An overcomplicated product without market validation.

Why it matters: A strong legal foundation determines whether a startup survives its first investment or expansion.

Best practice: Timely setup of founders’ agreements, cap table and intellectual property protection.

Common mistake: Ignoring legal details, leading to disputes between founders or loss of IP.

Why it matters: A founder without the ability to lead a team becomes an obstacle to growth.

Best practice: Building company culture from day one, hire slow – fire fast, ability to delegate.

Common mistake: A founder tries to do everything alone, resulting in burnout and chaos.

Why it matters: A strong brand attracts both customers and talent. Without it, scaling a startup is very difficult.

Best practice: An authentic story and clear messaging. Focus on the channels where the target audience is.

Common mistake: Copy-paste corporate marketing that does not resonate with real customers.