How I feel quitting my own startup
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How I feel quitting my own startup
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Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#2I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster.
My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while.
At some point, when this behavioral pattern started affecting other team members and I realized I had nothing left to do, it was time for me to move on.
I tried to write down how I felt, keeping it politically correct.
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#3I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster. My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while. At some point, when…
It is probably no consolation for you, but now your former co founders have "their" own company that's four years old, still has no customers or an MVP, and apparently no one really working full time on the company...
Seems like they get what they deserve...
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#4I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster. My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while. At some point, when…
Life is too short to stay miserable, OP. You launched a startup that has lasted 4+ years, that in and of itself is a huge accomplishment. I've had several startups fail over 20 years and each was a it's own heavy learning experience.
You've gotten much further than most ever will. Good work aqui!
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#5I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster. My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while. At some point, when…
Life is too short to stay miserable, OP. You launched a startup that has lasted 4+ years, that in and of itself is a huge accomplishment. I've had several startups fail over 20 years and each was a it's own heavy learning experience. You've gotten much further than most ever will. Good work aqui!
Thanks! I try to stay as positive as possible, and looking forward to the new opportunities that'll appear.
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#6I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster. My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while. At some point, when…
It is probably no consolation for you, but now your former co founders have "their" own company that's four years old, still has no customers or an MVP, and apparently no one really working full time on the company... Seems like they get what they deserve...
Well, there's one product, one MVP, and a team of 8 full-timers... My biggest concern was the people, trying to find a situation that somewhat guarantees their short-term future and they can then go from there..
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#7I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster. My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while. At some point, when…
Based on this description, I had to double-check that you weren't a particular founder I know.
FWIW, it's not just you; these seem to be non-rare things to happen.
One can guess at the likelihood that egos, differing understandings/philosophies, or just plain greed are likely to become a showstopper problem.
But, unless it's obvious that the showstopper problems are likely (some people telegraph warning signs heavily), if one is ever going to do anything, one has to guess and sometimes take a leap of faith.
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#8Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is probably no consolation for you, but now your former co founders have "their" own company that's four years old, still has no customers or an MVP, and apparently no one really working full time on the company... Seems like they get what they deserve...
Well, there's one product, one MVP, and a team of 8 full-timers... My biggest concern was the people, trying to find a situation that somewhat guarantees their short-term future and they can then go from there..
Honestly not your problem at this point.
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#9I left the startup I co-founded 4+ years ago. The entire process was an emotional roller-coaster. My co-founders (and business partners), who are the majority shareholder, made it abundantly clear that the company was 'theirs'. They made decisions behind my back although I am the only founder working full time on the company. I felt alienated, undervalued, and frankly quite miserable for a while. At some point, when…
Based on this description, I had to double-check that you weren't a particular founder I know. FWIW, it's not just you; these seem to be non-rare things to happen. One can guess at the likelihood that egos, differing understandings/philosophies, or just plain greed are likely to become a showstopper problem. But, unless it's obvious that the showstopper problems are likely (some people telegraph warning signs heavily…
Indeed, I've found some others in similar situations. Definitely a learning experience on which to build.
Re: How I feel quitting my own startup
#10Hi OP, it's a truly sad event when people conspire against you. Have you received legal advice? Even though you are not working for the company anymore, you still have rights as a shareholder. A lawyer can help articulate and fight for those rights.