23/11/2025
No second chance. Founders fail!
Having worked with so many Indian Entrepreneurs directly and indirectly, there are some stark observations I found why many of the Indian Founders fail to build scale. This also supports why in Asia over 90% of family run business does not see the second generation to continue their legacy.
Founders fail on these to scale their business:
1. Too much dreaming on the scale; too little effort on Ex*****on.
2. Trying same methods to scale. It doesn't work.
3. Using people, instead of leveraging them.
4. Stop learning once start seeing profits.
5. Technology as a tool - Abusing or not using.
6. Setting processes without checks and balances.
7. Losing sight on financial prudence.
8. Trusting loyal people vs competent people.
9. Trying to create succession plan quickly.
10. Blind faith on the business.
11. Not creating wealth for stakeholders.
Interesting thing is, if any Founder is lacking even on any one of the above 11, there is a high chance they will fail. After all, it only takes a small hole for a ship to sink, if not addressed timely.
If you are an Entrepreneur, its time for you to self-audit and see where you can fail and take appropriate action. There are enough resources are available for you to leverage.
If you are working with an Entrepreneur, in case you notice any of these areas in your Founder, take ownership and responsibility to address it. Remember, it is always who earns the trust of the Founder, gets to become part of the Founder's success. No blaming or excuses would solve.