…so I sent all the founders an email asking what surprised them about starting a startup. This amounts to asking what I got wrong, because if I'd explained things well enough, nothing should have surprised them.
Be Careful with Cofounders
Startups Take Over Your Life
It's an Emotional Roller-coaster
It Can Be Fun
Persistence Is the Key
Think Long-Term
Lots of Little Things
Start with Something Minimal
Engage Users
Change Your Idea
Don't Worry about Competitors
It's Hard to Get Users
Expect the Worst with Deals
Investors Are Clueless
You May Have to Play Games
Luck Is a Big Factor
The Value of Community
You Get No Respect