Foundry is a premium business intelligence publication featuring 551 articles from the best founders and investors. Topics cover leadership, strategy, fundraising, growth, AI, and more.

What topics does Foundry cover?

Foundry covers leadership, investing, AI and technology, product development, founder stories, mindset and career, marketing, hiring, fundraising, strategy, and more. Articles feature insights from founders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, and Jensen Huang.

Can I submit a story to Foundry?

Yes. You can submit a story at thefoundrybrief.com/submit. Foundry publishes articles featuring insights from founders and investors across all industries.

Reid Hoffman: Most Startups Fail. Here Is How to Improve Your Odds.

By Reid Hoffman · Product & Building · 1 min read

LinkedIn's founder says the failure rate is brutal. But certain decisions dramatically change the probability.

Key Points

Most startups fail — this is the statistical reality, not pessimism
The biggest factor: are you solving a real problem for real people?
Speed of learning and willingness to pivot are the best survival traits

Most startups fail. Accepting that is the first step to beating the odds.

The Reality

Most startups fail. Not some. Most.

Hoffman is not being pessimistic. He is being statistical.

Accepting this reality changes how you operate. You stop being precious about your idea.

Real Problems

The biggest predictor of survival: are real people willing to pay for your solution?

Not hypothetically. Actually. With money. Right now.

If the answer is no, pivot immediately. Do not wait six months to find out.

Most startups fail. Accepting that is the first step.

Learn Fast, Pivot Fast

The startups that survive are not smarter. They learn faster.

They talk to users every day. They ship every week. They pivot every quarter if needed.

Speed of learning is the ultimate competitive advantage.