What They Don’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship

Hi, I’m Sumit, and I started a company called Allevio last year. The past 15 months have been a wild ride, full of highs and lows, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Today, I want to share some of those lessons with you. This article isn’t about the glamorous side of being an entrepreneur but it’s about the tough, often hidden truths that come with starting a business.

I want to make it clear, though, that this isn’t meant to discourage anyone from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. My intention is to share what I’ve experienced, and what I’ve learned from other budding entrepreneurs I’ve met along the way. While the journey is challenging, it also comes with its rewards, like building a strong network of people who are going through similar experiences. These connections have been invaluable, providing support, advice, and sometimes just a listening ear.

So, if you’re thinking about becoming an entrepreneur or are simply curious about what it’s really like, keep reading.

The Pressure to Succeed

When I started Allevio, I was super excited and full of hope. But I quickly realised that being an entrepreneur isn’t just about having a cool idea. The pressure to succeed is huge, and it never really goes away. Every day, you wake up with a never-ending to-do list, and the stakes always feel high. This pressure can make you feel like you have to be on all the time, which is really tiring.

At the start, I gave up a lot. Late nights became normal, weekends vanished, and my personal life got pushed aside. It’s easy to think that these sacrifices are just part of the deal, but they come with a cost. Stress, burnout, and feeling isolated are all too common. And I haven't even spoken about the financial burden yet. One big thing I’ve learned is that you need to find a balance, or you’ll burn out long before you reach success.

What Investors Don't Tell You

When you hear about startups raising millions in funding, it sounds like a dream come true. But what they don’t always mention is that investors often come with strings attached. Sure, they do bring in money, but they also bring a lot of expectations. And those expectations can quickly turn into pressure that might push your company away from your original vision.

For me, dealing with investors has been one of the toughest parts. It’s not that they’re bad people, definitely not! But their goals don’t always match yours. They want returns, and they want them fast. This can lead to decisions that feel more about keeping them happy than sticking to what you set out to do. It’s a tricky balance, and it’s something every entrepreneur has to figure out carefully.

Venture Capital is Not Free Money

Venture capital (VC) is often seen as the ultimate goal for startups. But trust me, it’s not just free money. When you take VC funding, you’re entering into a relationship where the stakes are super high. VCs want huge growth, and they’re not shy about pushing hard to get it.

At first, this might sound great. Who wouldn’t want their company to grow fast? But rapid growth isn’t always a good thing. The pressure to expand quickly can lead to decisions that might not be the best for your company in the long run. For example, you might be forced to scale before your product or team is really ready, which can cause bigger problems later on. From my experience, it’s really important to think about the pros and cons before diving into the VC world.

The Reality Behind Startup Funding Headlines

In the startup world, there’s a lot of hype around funding rounds. Companies get celebrated for raising millions, but what people don’t always talk about is what happens after the money comes in. Securing funding is just the start. The real challenge is figuring out how to use that money wisely.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that money doesn’t fix everything. In fact, it can bring new problems. Every time you raise money, you’re not just getting cash, but you’re also giving up a piece of your company. And with that, you lose a bit of control. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of raising funds, but it’s important to stay focused on why you started your company in the first place.

The Founder’s Survival

As a founder, you’re constantly walking on a tight rope trying to balance between staying true to your vision and making the necessary compromises to keep your company alive. There have been times when I’ve had to pivot Allevio’s business model or take on projects that didn’t fully align with our mission, just to make sure we could pay the bills.

This is one of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur. You start with a clear idea of what you want to achieve, but with time you realise that you might have to make sacrifices to survive. You would want to adapt without losing sight of your vision which is not easy. But it’s essential to adapt if you want to build a company that lasts.

Resilience Helps

If there’s one thing that every entrepreneur needs, it’s resilience. The past 15 months have been a roller coaster, with plenty of ups and downs. There have been moments when I questioned whether it was all worth it, but resilience is what keeps you going.

Resilience is about learning from your failures and coming back stronger. Every setback is an opportunity to grow, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. I’ve learned that success isn’t about never failing but more about how you respond when things go wrong.

Luck Plays a Big Role

People often say that hard work is the key to success, and while that’s true, it’s not the whole story. Luck and timing play a huge role in entrepreneurship. Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference.

For example, one good opportunity for Allevio came out of nowhere, simply because we were prepared. On the other side, some of our biggest challenges came from unexpected events that we couldn’t control. The lesson here is to stay flexible and open to the unexpected.

Looking Ahead

As I look back on the past 15 months, I’m both hopeful and cautious about what’s ahead. Entrepreneurship is harder than I ever expected, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I am still waiting for my moment. Be ready for the challenges, stay strong, and keep your vision in focus.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, my advice is simple - know what you’re getting into. It’s not just about the success stories you see in the media. There’s a tougher side to entrepreneurship, but if you’re willing to face it, the rewards can be worth it. Stay true to yourself, keep learning, and never forget why you started in the first place.