6 ways to avoid start-up failure (2024)

In fact, the Business Case Studies website claims that as many as one in three start-ups fail in their first three years, but why is this the case? In order to be one of the businesses that goes on to not only survive, but also prosper, take a look at these six ways to avoid failure in a competitive world:

Carry out market research

Many assume that lack of funding or the wrong team are the main reasons behind business failure. However, planning and research are crucial when it comes to ensuring your business idea is feasible, your pricing is competitive and you will receive an adequate return on investment. Spend time researching your business idea and whether there is a call for your product or services; although research reports can sometimes be prohibitively expensive for start-ups, university papers and blog posts can help you. Listen to feedback from customers and business associates you trust (not friend and family, who sometimes avoid giving their true opinion in case it causes offence), as their perspectives can prove invaluable.

Have a solid business plan

It may be a cliché, but there is a lot of truth in the phrase “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”. All start-ups require a carefully thought-out business plan that has realistic and educated projections for the future. Structure in the early stages will prove to be fundamentally important, but many start-up businesses fail because they set their sights too high or diversify too soon. Speak to your bank or download the template from the Government’s website.

Manage your finances

Financial management is crucial for start-up businesses of all shapes and sizes. If you lack capital and a contingency plan you can leave yourself in a situation where your business will be unable to develop. Businesses that fail to seek professional advice may find that their financial troubles worsen. Use an accountant – online or face-to-face – to help you borrow and manage money in a cost-effective way.

Hire a good team

Having a quality team of people to work alongside you is paramount to the success of your new business. Recruiting requires careful consideration in order to ensure each employee is bringing a new skill to your business. The same goes for your business partner; they should be as passionate as you are and have skills and knowledge that complements yours.

Market your business

If you don’t shout about your business, no one else is going to do it for you. Make use of all marketing channels – from having a professional website to utilising social media – in order to drive your business forward; using one channel in isolation is unlikely to deliver the results you want. It’s always wise to read the stories of other successful entrepreneurs who were once in your position for inspiration and advice.

Manage your risks

It’s important not to take shortcuts when it comes to your start-up business. Insurance is a common oversight, but so many businesses can be crippled by a hefty pay out before it’s even had a chance to get off the ground. Avoid this happening to you by protecting your business with the correct insurance for start-ups.

6 ways to avoid start-up failure (2024)

FAQs

How do you prevent startup failure? ›

Startups need to understand the importance of cash flow, as insufficient funds can lead to failure. To avoid this, entrepreneurs should start small, validate demand, and scale gradually. Creating a realistic financial projection and closely monitoring cash flow can help startups avoid running out of money.

Why do 90% of startups fail? ›

Top Reasons Startups Fail

The relatively high startup failure rates are due to various reasons, with the most significant being the absence of a product-market fit, poor marketing strategy formulation and implementation, and cash flow problems.

What is the number one reason 95% of start ups fail? ›

Key Takeaways. According to business owners, reasons for failure include money running out, being in the wrong market, a lack of research, bad partnerships, ineffective marketing, and not being an expert in the industry. Ways to avoid failing include setting goals, accurate research, loving the work, and not quitting.

How can you reduce the odds that a startup fails? ›

Spend time examining trends, routinely communicate with potential clients, and keep your options open in case you need to pivot. Your odds of failing a startup business will decrease if you quickly react to real-world circ*mstances.

What kills a startup? ›

Financial Risks

Many entrepreneurs fail because they make the mistake of betting everything on being able to secure outside financing.

What causes startup failure? ›

The Top 8 Mistakes That Cause 98% of Startups to Fail
  • Lack of Product-Market Fit. ...
  • Running Out of Cash. ...
  • No Clear Business Model. ...
  • Neglecting Marketing and Sales. ...
  • Failing to Hire the Right People. ...
  • Not Adapting to Change. ...
  • Mismanagement of Growth. ...
  • Lack of Focus.
Apr 10, 2023

What year do most startups fail? ›

About 90% of startups fail. 10% of startups fail within the first year. Across all industries, startup failure rates seem to be close to the same. Failure is most common for startups during years two through five, with 70% falling into this category.

Why only 1 percent succeed? ›

All jokes aside, there is a very good reason for this. If everyone was a success, no one would be. What makes a person successful is how we compare them to others. If everyone was considered successful then we wouldn't have any failures to compare them to and therefore no one would be successful.

At what point is it no longer a startup? ›

According to Wilhelm's initial proposition, a company cannot be considered a startup if it generates revenue that exceeds $50 million, employs more than 100 people, and has a valuation of $500 million or more.

Which type of startup has the highest failure rate? ›

The tech startup failure rate is as high as 80%

Statistics reveal that up to 80% of HealthTech startups fail while 60% of EduTech startups close. Within the Gaming industry, startups have a higher chance of survival with around a 50% failure rate.

What are the top 10 reasons why businesses fail? ›

And once you identify these harbingers of failure, you can increase your own chance of success.
  • Procrastination. ...
  • Inadequate knowledge of regulations. ...
  • Ignoring the competition. ...
  • Ineffective marketing and ignoring customers' needs. ...
  • Incompetent employees and management. ...
  • Lack of versatility. ...
  • Poor location. ...
  • Cash flow problems.

How many start ups succeed? ›

On average, 63% of tech startups don't make it, 25% close down during the first year, and only 10% survive in the long run.

What are 4 mistakes startups typically make? ›

10 Common Startup Mistakes
  • Here are some of the most common mistakes that startups make today: Burning Through Money Too Quickly. ...
  • Lacking the Right Team. ...
  • Pricing Products Improperly. ...
  • Skipping Contracts. ...
  • Failing to Create a Business Plan. ...
  • Not Researching the Market. ...
  • Not Delegating the Work. ...
  • Rushing to Hire New Employees.

How do you handle startup failure? ›

The first step to handle startup failure is to accept the reality and acknowledge the emotions that come with it. Denial, anger, guilt, shame, and depression are common reactions to losing something you invested so much time, money, and passion in. Don't ignore or suppress these feelings, they are natural and valid.

How do I exit a failing startup? ›

Whether you are an entrepreneur with a startup or a seasoned CEO, you need to consider which of these business exit strategies is the one for you.
  1. Selling your stake.
  2. Family succession.
  3. Acquihires.
  4. Management and employee buyouts.
  5. IPO.
  6. Liquidation.
  7. Bankruptcy.

How do you save a dying startup? ›

As you create a plan, think about the steps you'll need to take, how long it will take, and who will help you. To keep your business open, most likely you'll need to “trim the fat,” or reduce costs. Start by cutting discretionary, or unnecessary expenses.

What is the cause of PC startup failure? ›

There are many potential causes for this problem, incorrect boot settings in the BIOS, corrupt system files, corrupt boot loader, or a faulty hard drive. The computer turns on but shows an error message such as “no bootable device found”, “operating system not found”, or other errors during startup.

How do I make sure my startup is successful? ›

15 tips to create a successful startup
  1. Identify a Clear Problem to Solve: ...
  2. Thorough Market Research: ...
  3. Unique Value Proposition: ...
  4. Build a Strong Team: ...
  5. Create a Business Plan: ...
  6. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): ...
  7. Secure Adequate Funding: ...
  8. Focus on Customer Acquisition:
Oct 22, 2023

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