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- Lean Lessons, Founder Grit, and the Power of Alignment in Uncertain Times
Lean Lessons, Founder Grit, and the Power of Alignment in Uncertain Times
When capital is cautious and markets get shaky, perfection won’t save you. But clarity, courage, and connection might.
Alex Leigh
May 01, 2025
Welcome :)
Dear Reader,
Welcome to The Startup-VC Insider—where founders and funders find common ground. In this week’s edition, we’re tackling the friction between VCs and entrepreneurs head-on, learning real startup lessons from the field, and watching the market for signals of what's next. Whether you're building or backing, this one’s for you.
Let’s get into it.
🧭 Weekly Spotlight
Enough with the Finger-Pointing
“VCs never give us the money when they should!”
“Founders never give us the proof points we want!”
It’s time to drop the excuses.
The startup ecosystem thrives when we stop treating each other like adversaries and start building like allies. Founders, VCs, operators - we’re on the same team! Let's align, collaborate, and push forward together.
Particularly in the UK & Europe where there’s now an imperative to stick together. If it’s not for you and Miami/Dubai offer you something better, then go, quietly. If you’re staying, then it’s on you to be part of the solution.
Big shoutout to Mark Wheatley for the invite to London Space Finance 2025. Again, an inspiring event that proves what alignment across sectors can achieve. 🚀
🎬Watch this panel excerpt on my call to action.
💸 VC Perspective
Stop Learning the Hard Way
The best founders? They learn from others’ mistakes.
Had a great conversation with Jolyon Tidmarsh, a serial entrepreneur who knows the startup trenches inside out. We talked Lean Startup, Toyota principles, and why simplicity wins every time.
If you're a VC or operator looking to avoid rookie errors, 🎬watch and learn.
👨🚀 Entrepreneur Corner
A+ in School, F in Startups?
Let’s be real. Entrepreneurship doesn’t reward the top of the class.
Chasing perfection can kill your company.
Over-engineering = wasted time.
Polished too early = wasted money.
Playing it safe = missed opportunity.
Don’t be the nerd 🤓
Be the hustler who’s been knocked down and still closes deals. 🚗
As someone once told me in University. ‘D’ is for degree! 🎬
Behind the Scenes: Founder Life
Huge thanks to Oz Koca and Sara Banares for an epic photo session with Future Planet Capital.
Between shots, we dove into what it actually feels like being a startup CEO. Spoiler: it’s not glamorous.
If you’ve worn the founder badge, you’ll relate. If you’ve not yet taken the plunge, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and it’s definitely not quick money.
P.s. there’s also a sneak preview into the VC job which also turns out is not so easy.
@thetippytopblog Backstage pass: what's it like being a founder? Great photo session with Oz Koca, brilliantly choreographed by Sara Banares 🙌🏼🙏 Given we w... See more
📊 Common Ground / Industry Trends
Is the VIX Screaming Recession?
Maybe.
The VIX (a.k.a. Wall Street’s fear gauge) is flashing warning signs. When it spikes, fear is in the air, and opportunity might be too.
In this video 🎬 , I break down what it means, how to read it, and why it doesn’t always spell disaster.
Think of it like a weather forecast. It’s not a prophecy, but it helps you dress accordingly.
@thetippytopblog VIX Indicator: Recession incoming? Well, possibly and now you know how to see and you can start preparing now. Have a great one, Alex
❓ Ask Alex
"If there is a recession, how long do I need to survive until it’s over?"
Brace for impact. But get ready to bounce.
If a Trump-era tariff shock hits the economy, expect a quick and sharp recession. Not a drawn-out grind like 2008. (Yes, I was there too. 🥴)
But here’s the good news:
1. Private markets were already waking up.
2. PE, VC, and startups are moving.
3. Green shoots are here.
This might be a storm, but it’s not a ship-sinker.
The best will survive, and thrive, by preparing now.
Keep asking tough questions. Reply to this email or hit me up on TikTok or LinkedIn.
🎯 Closing Thoughts
Thanks again for being here. Let’s cut through the noise, align our efforts, and reach the Tippy Top. Together.
Have a good one,
Alex
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