What I learned during my first few weeks in a startup accelerator

My friend reread my previous article on why I left a VC to join a startup and asked me when it would be his turn to dive into his own project. I decided to share my learnings from the first weeks of muru-D Singapore accelerator and give some thoughts to those who consider exploring the entrepreneurial path.

Well, it’s definitely a great life experience you will never read in any books but entrepreneurship is extremely challenging and demanding. First weeks in the accelerator quickly proved there are so many gaps in a skillset and so many things to think and do about our business to get it on a right track. You will be literally snowed under with tasks and deadlines, and the to-do list will be growing in a geometric progression — so it’s vitally important to stay focused and prioritize. Fortunately, there are good people in the muru-D family who are ready to share their knowledge and life hacks to support entrepreneurs.

For me personally, it’s actually all about ‘flearning’ (learning through failures) and getting priceless professional and life experience. Some startups in the program are already generating revenues and doing well but ours is still on MVP and early pilot stage. We have no revenue and still looking for a product-market fit. We have a limited amount of time and resources so it’s a big challenge to figure out what is important for our company now and act accordingly.

Regarding the best time to do your own projects, I believe it’s similar to marriage or having kids — you will never be 100% ready. But that’s what entrepreneurs are all about — they just go and do it. Nevertheless, before jumping down the rabbit hole I suggest you consider a few things:

1. Be prepared for a long fight and daily psychological roller coasters

You will find yourself working hard and late in the office and facing many problems — having perseverance and passion are the only ways to survive.

2. Enjoy the ride — entrepreneurship is a marathon