← Back to archive

Why Chasing Revenue Too Early Can Hurt Startups

16 April 2025 · 36 views · 0 likes · 0 reposts · 101 blog views

AI Startups automation funding learning product

By chasing revenue too early can actually hurt a startup. That feels a bit backwards at first - because revenue means things are working. But the truth is, revenue can show up before you’ve actually built anything valuable or lasting. Especially with all these fast-moving AI tools, companies can hit millions in ARR without proving they’re solving a real problem. They end up optimizing a fragile thing instead of asking the harder question: does this even matter? I think early-stage founders should treat their company like a series of experiments. Not a growth engine. You prove one thing, unlock a new door, and only then figure out if it’s worth scaling. Don’t confuse traction with truth. Just because money’s coming in doesn’t mean you’ve nailed it. And if you can’t test what you’re building in a clear true/false way, maybe it’s too early for venture money. Founders need to stay focused on learning - not just growing. Because value has to come before capture. Otherwise, it’s just noise.

Originally posted on X

PS: I'm pretty active on 𝕏 if you'd like to follow along

Related posts

Archive

2026

2025

2024

2018