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When to Quit?
Hi, I have been working with a co-founder for the past 8 months. We were both fresh graduates and because of our background in good colleges, some people provided us with a grant and also helped us get the first pilot. But we haven't made any progress for quite some time (> 3 months). My cofounder is adamant that he will do sales but no one considers that he is a good sales guy. I handle tech and built the MVP but it has become really difficult to build for 0 paying customers. I am thinking of taking a break, going to a job, and coming back to the startup space after a year or two when I have much more technical skills and a problem space I am excited about (I have lost interest in the current problem space). What do you guys suggest?
- gregjor 3y agoSounds like entrepreneur cosplay. Get some experience and business domain expertise before trying to sell solutions to problems you don’t understand.
- an__am 3y agoAny suggestion on how can I leave the cofounder and investor without burning a lot of bridges? Frankly, I would like to stay with the investor who has devoted a lot of time.
- gregjor 3y agoNo, I don’t know the situation or the people. I had a similar situation once, I just quit and explained to the founder, who is also a good friend, that the job want working for me. He understood. Be honest and try to avoid criticizing people so you don’t burn bridges.
- an__am 3y agoThanks a lot for advice, this seems the way forward.
- KingOfCoders 3y agoIn the startup of my wife we came to that point. She recognized, if she doesn't start sales with cold calling and becoming excellent at it, no one else will. She made the startup a success and sold it to a competitor. But this took some years. First (B2B) customers said: Go away. In the end, everyone was on board. "I have lost interest in the current problem space" This happens with everything you start, especially if there is no success. But success will take some years.
- an__am 3y agoI completely agree with your argument. But waiting without success is too difficult and it takes you in a loop of whether are you are doing the right thing or not.
- bell-cot 3y agoIf the "no one considers that he is a good sales guy" crowd includes some people who really would know, then your startup is not viable with him in place. You'll probably need to leave. But quietly talk to the people who provided you with funding. Even if they have no good ideas for fixing things, you always want to keep your financial backers feeling appreciated, informed, and happy with your conduct.
- an__am 3y agoYes, the feedback is from my friend who has been working with us for quite some time, and from our investor who is doing weekly meetings with us and gives some input. I have lost confidence in the ability :(