265 episodes

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles Founders face both personally and professionally as they try to turn their idea into something that will change the world.

Startup Therapy Startups.com

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 122 Ratings

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles Founders face both personally and professionally as they try to turn their idea into something that will change the world.

    The Utter STUPIDITY of "Risking it All"

    The Utter STUPIDITY of "Risking it All"

    In this episode we discuss the myth of the 'bet it all' startup mentality. They highlight the importance of downside risk planning and how successful risk management plays a crucial role in startup success
    Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter
    Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/
    Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/
    What to listen for:00:00 Introduction to Startup Therapy00:28 The Myth of Betting It All01:36 The Reality of Downside Protection06:18 Case Study: The Zirtual Acquisition11:24 The Importance of Backup Plans18:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    • 21 min
    Why Most Founders Don't Get Rich

    Why Most Founders Don't Get Rich

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the common struggles of making money in the startup world. They explore the 'noble' but flawed narrative that founders shouldn't pay themselves, why aiming too big too soon can prevent profitability, and the cycle of raising funding that often leaves founders broke.
    Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter
    Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/
    Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/
    What to Listen For00:00 Introduction to Startup Therapy
    00:23 The Broken Narrative of Not Getting Paid
    02:35 Self-Sabotage and Going Too Big
    04:08 The Funding Trap
    05:41 The Harsh Realities of Raising Money
    12:07 The Never-Ending Hunger of Startups
    14:36 Reinvesting in Growth
    15:06 The Reality of Increased Liabilities
    15:59 The Fear of Taking Money Off the Table
    17:00 The Importance of Paying Yourself
    18:14 Balancing Profit Sharing and Salaries
    19:07 The Misconception of Startup Growth
    21:13 The Dangers of Not Taking Money Off the Table
    26:09 Common Sense in Startup Land
    27:08 Conclusion: Get Paid Now

    • 28 min
    Investors will be Obsolete, The End of Venture Capital

    Investors will be Obsolete, The End of Venture Capital

    In this episode, we discuss the potential obsolescence of venture capital due to advancements in AI technology. We explore how reduced startup costs and increased efficiency might reshape the future of funding in the startup ecosystem.
    Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter
    Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/
    Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/
    What to Listen For00:00 Image a World Without Investors02:16 The Rise of AI and Its Impact03:01 Cost Reduction in Startups06:05 The Future of Staffing and Marketing08:37 Automation in Back Office Operations13:04 The Changing Role of Investors24:21 The Reality of VC Advice27:57 The Future of Capital Needs31:22 AI's Impact on Investment34:40 Reimagining Investment Models40:20 The Democratization of Startups

    • 47 min
    Why is a Founder so HARD to replace?

    Why is a Founder so HARD to replace?

    The Irreplaceable Founder. Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the irreplaceable role of founders in startups. They explore why removing a founder often leads to failure, the unique value and vision founders bring, and the difference between operational tasks and the founder's core contributions.
    Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter
    Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/
    Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/
    What to Listen For00:00 Founder’s Role in a Startup01:16 Challenges of Replacing a Founder03:04 Founder’s Vision05:43 Founder’s Passion07:02 Founder’s Decisions09:17 The Unique Value of Founders20:06 Sales Process and Financials22:49 Management by Walking Around25:28 Risk Tolerance in Founders vs. Hired CEOs33:07 Challenges of Replacing a Founder37:54 Join the Startups.com Community

    • 38 min
    We Can't Grow by Saying "No"

    We Can't Grow by Saying "No"

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan (CMO at Startups.com) and Wil Schroter (CEO at Startups.com) discuss the importance of saying yes to growth opportunities that startups have not previously tried. They emphasize that startups thrive by committing to new challenges, even if the path isn't immediately clear, and how this willingness to stretch can affect interactions with customers, investors, and staff. 
    Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter
    Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/
    Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

    • 35 min
    This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems

    This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems

    Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing liabilities can be riskier than anticipated and the importance of balancing growth with stability.
    Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter
    Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/
    Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/
    What to Listen For00:00 The Illusion of Milestones02:46 Scaling Challenges05:33 Weight of Responsibilities13:37 New Nodes of Problems16:21 The Reality of Scaling a Team20:05 The Myth of Effortless Wealth22:59 The Importance of Sustainable Growth26:20 The Pitfalls of Chasing High Valuations28:22 Setting Realistic Business Goals30:24 How to Enjoy Your Business

    • 31 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
122 Ratings

122 Ratings

Rich_k111 ,

Can I give 10 stars ?

Most podcasts are just pontificating blow hards talking about their last win. This is the opposite two real practitioners giving you a list of things that you can go to do to be more successful instantly.

lafrancesdances ,

Truly one of the best startup podcasts

Every current and aspiring founder should listen to this podcast. Wil and Ryan are not only extremely real and honest about what goes on in startupland, but they offer truly actionable advice. They tell the hard truths that you likely won’t find elsewhere unless you’ve lived the founder trauma for yourself.

saradoane ,

great show for any entrepreneur :)

love the show - thank you, will

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