Ultimate Advice to Stealth-Mode Startups: Just Stop

Starting a company is easy- just create an idea, find some money and then you’re off to the races. That’s not enough for success though. There are countless ways that one can go about starting their own business; whether it be by building your product or creating your own startup. It doesn’t matter which route you take, there’s always going to be decisions made along the way that will affect how successful (or unsuccessful) this venture ends up being.,

The “stealth mode” is a term that has been used for years. It refers to the process of starting a business without revealing it’s existence until it’s time to launch. This type of startup can be hard because there are many risks associated with it. However, if you do decide to go stealth, here are some tips on how to do so successfully.

It’s fantastic! Before I continue, Jason Freedman, who describes himself as a “humbled MBA,” (which is great in and of itself) adds that “startups in stealth mode require one piece of advise.”

Just stop

In a wonderful series of brief, clever words, he explains more than he needs to. He has explanations in between, and they’re good reading, but go back to the original for that. I like the sheer strength of these bullet points (all exact quotations from Jason), and I agree with each and every one of them. I couldn’t resist providing the explanations for a handful of them since they are so deep and beautiful.

1.) The execution of the plan is more vital than the concept.

2.) Someone else has the same thought as you.

3.) Totally original concepts seldom succeed.

4.) Your ineptitude, not the competition, is the most probable cause of failure.

The chances of you executing flawlessly but losing out to someone who stole your concept are so slim that you shouldn’t even consider it. It’s nearly guaranteed that you’ll produce a product that falls short of expectations.

5.) You are in severe need of genuine input.

6.) The first mover advantage is a load of nonsense.

First mover advantage has been written into the obituary. It is seldom beneficial. Facebook wasn’t the first social media platform, Google wasn’t the first search engine, YouTube wasn’t the first video platform, and so on. In the 1990s, a faulty assumption called first mover advantage enabled pre-product internet startups earn billions of dollars.

“I could go on, but this is a fool’s errand,” Jason finishes.

He even softens a little in the end, suggesting that irritated stealth-mode-startup readers should simply prove him wrong.

You did an excellent job. It’s all good.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a startup stay in stealth mode?

A: It depends on the company. Some companies will stay in stealth mode for a very long time, some never come out of stealth.

Should you join a stealth mode startup?

A: Yes, but you should join a stealth mode startup that is in the same space as your field of expertise.

Why are startups in stealth mode?

A: In order to protect your product from being copied or stolen by a competitor, you have to lay low and remain in stealth mode until its ready for market.

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