The concept of hockey stick growth, where a startup experiences explosive growth after an initial period of slow progress, is widely idealized in startup culture, but it may not be suitable for every business.
Venture capital investors expect high returns and quick exits, which puts pressure on startups to scale rapidly to meet these expectations.
However, rapid scaling can come with challenges such as cash burn, endless fundraising cycles, loss of control, team burnout, and a narrow focus on massive exits like IPOs.
The push for hypergrowth can lead to instability and potential collapse if not managed carefully.
Founders are advised to consider if hypergrowth aligns with their long-term goals, their willingness to constantly raise funds, and if their business model is suited for rapid scaling.
Success should not be solely defined by speed or achieving unicorn status, and sustainable, healthy growth can be just as valid.
Ultimately, founders should build the company they want to run, rather than conforming to external pressures for rapid growth at all costs.
The key is to define what success truly means for the business and to focus on creating a company that aligns with the founder's vision.