{"id":2020,"date":"2022-06-08T16:24:29","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T09:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/?p=2020"},"modified":"2022-06-08T16:24:29","modified_gmt":"2022-06-08T09:24:29","slug":"top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 mistakes first-time tech founder make"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_1_Choosing_the_Wrong_Co-Founders\" >Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Co-Founders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_2_Not_Implementing_a_Vesting_Schedule\" >Mistake #2: Not Implementing a Vesting Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_3_Not_Spending_Enough_Time_Recruiting\" >Mistake #3: Not Spending Enough Time Recruiting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_4_Avoiding_the_Details\" >Mistake #4: Avoiding the Details<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_5_Lack_of_Transparency\" >Mistake #5: Lack of Transparency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_6_Delegating_Sales_Too_Early\" >Mistake #6: Delegating Sales Too Early<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_7_Failing_to_Plan_for_the_Worst-Case_Scenario\" >Mistake #7: Failing to Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_8_Thinking_Majority_Ownership_Control\" >Mistake #8: Thinking Majority Ownership = Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_9_Waiting_Too_Long_to_Fundraise\" >Mistake #9: Waiting Too Long to Fundraise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Mistake_10_Poor_Communication_with_Investors\" >Mistake #10: Poor Communication with Investors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/top-10-mistakes-first-time-tech-founder-make\/#Final_Thoughts_Be_the_Founder_Who_Learns_Faster\" >Final Thoughts: Be the Founder Who Learns Faster<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Starting a tech company is a thrilling ride\u2014full of vision, energy, and the hope of building something that truly matters. But it\u2019s also a path filled with pitfalls. As someone who has spent over <strong>15 years<\/strong> in the world of startups and digital strategy, I\u2019ve seen time and again how even the most promising founders can get tripped up by a handful of avoidable mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m <strong>Steven Sondang<\/strong>, a <strong>Digital Marketer and Business Strategy Specialist<\/strong>, and this guide is for every aspiring tech founder who wants to avoid becoming just another cautionary tale. Here are the <strong>top 10 mistakes first-time founders make<\/strong>\u2014and how you can sidestep them to build a more resilient, impactful company.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_1_Choosing_the_Wrong_Co-Founders\"><\/span>Mistake #1: <strong>Choosing the Wrong Co-Founders<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This one\u2019s personal. I\u2019ve seen partnerships unravel quickly\u2014sometimes within months. Did you know that <strong>over 50% of co-founder relationships fail<\/strong>?<\/p>\n<p>If your co-founders don\u2019t share your vision or work ethic, trouble will follow. A successful founding team is built on <strong>mutual respect<\/strong>, <strong>complementary skills<\/strong>, and <strong>aligned values<\/strong>. If you realise you\u2019ve chosen the wrong co-founder, <strong>don\u2019t delay<\/strong>. Take action early. It\u2019s painful, but it prevents long-term damage.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_2_Not_Implementing_a_Vesting_Schedule\"><\/span>Mistake #2: <strong>Not Implementing a Vesting Schedule<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Founders often make handshake deals: \u201cYou take 40%, I\u2019ll take 60%.\u201d Then someone walks away, and suddenly you\u2019ve given away a huge chunk of your company for nothing.<\/p>\n<p>Use a standard <strong>vesting schedule<\/strong>: a <strong>one-year cliff<\/strong>, then <strong>monthly vesting over three years<\/strong>. This isn\u2019t just for protection\u2014it encourages <strong>long-term commitment<\/strong>. If you skipped this step already, it\u2019s not too late. A <strong>startup lawyer<\/strong> can help you renegotiate equity terms.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_3_Not_Spending_Enough_Time_Recruiting\"><\/span>Mistake #3: <strong>Not Spending Enough Time Recruiting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You are <strong>only as strong as your team<\/strong>. If you\u2019re not spending <strong>at least 50% of your time<\/strong> recruiting and interviewing, you\u2019re already behind.<\/p>\n<p>Early hires will shape your company\u2019s culture and performance. <strong>Great talent doesn\u2019t just show up<\/strong>\u2014you have to seek it, evaluate it, and sell your vision. Even if they won\u2019t work directly under you, interview everyone.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_4_Avoiding_the_Details\"><\/span>Mistake #4: <strong>Avoiding the Details<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Too many founders think strategy is about the big picture. But great CEOs know their <strong>burn rate<\/strong>, <strong>team velocity<\/strong>, and <strong>development timeline<\/strong> down to the decimal. If your CTO is managing everything in isolation, you\u2019re not leading\u2014you\u2019re <strong>abdicating<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Know what matters. Get into the weeds.<\/strong> Your investors will expect it, and your team deserves it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_5_Lack_of_Transparency\"><\/span>Mistake #5: <strong>Lack of Transparency<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Startups are messy. Revenue targets get missed. Deadlines slip. But <strong>hiding the truth only breeds distrust<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Be <strong>radically honest<\/strong>. One time, I witnessed a CEO sugarcoat financial trouble during one-on-ones rather than addressing the entire team. It backfired\u2014<strong>half the team left<\/strong>, including me. Later, a different founder stood in front of his entire staff, laid out the situation clearly, and answered every question. That team rallied and survived.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Own your story.<\/strong> Your team will respect you more for it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_6_Delegating_Sales_Too_Early\"><\/span>Mistake #6: <strong>Delegating Sales Too Early<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A common error among technical or non-sales founders is hiring someone else to sell too early. It rarely works. No one can sell your product like <strong>you<\/strong> can\u2014not in the early stages.<\/p>\n<p>You understand the product. You believe in the mission. Customers love hearing directly from the <strong>founder<\/strong>. <strong>Learn to sell.<\/strong> It\u2019s not about being perfect\u2014it\u2019s about being <strong>authentic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_7_Failing_to_Plan_for_the_Worst-Case_Scenario\"><\/span>Mistake #7: <strong>Failing to Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tech founders are natural optimists. But you need a <strong>contingency plan<\/strong>. What happens if revenue doesn\u2019t arrive? If your round doesn\u2019t close?<\/p>\n<p>Create a <strong>worst-case financial plan<\/strong>. Know your runway. Cut unnecessary costs. <strong>Survive now so you can thrive later<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_8_Thinking_Majority_Ownership_Control\"><\/span>Mistake #8: <strong>Thinking Majority Ownership = Control<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s a myth that owning 51% means you control your startup. The moment you need funding, your control depends on your <strong>performance<\/strong>\u2014not your <strong>share count<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Execution earns trust.<\/strong> Investors back founders who deliver\u2014not those who cling to voting rights. <strong>Focus on building value<\/strong>, not defending turf.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_9_Waiting_Too_Long_to_Fundraise\"><\/span>Mistake #9: <strong>Waiting Too Long to Fundraise<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many founders wait until they\u2019re down to two months of cash before raising. <strong>Bad idea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Raising money takes <strong>6+ months<\/strong>\u2014if not more. Start early. Always have <strong>at least 12 months of runway<\/strong> when you begin conversations. If you\u2019ve waited too long, cut costs, extend runway, and hustle to earn more time.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mistake_10_Poor_Communication_with_Investors\"><\/span>Mistake #10: <strong>Poor Communication with Investors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your investors are your <strong>partners<\/strong>. They want to help. But if you hide delays or sugarcoat challenges, you\u2019ll lose their <strong>trust<\/strong>\u2014and probably your <strong>job<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Be <strong>proactive<\/strong>. Update them regularly. If there\u2019s bad news, <strong>call them first<\/strong>\u2014before the board meeting. And always bring a solution or a plan. <strong>Your credibility depends on it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_Be_the_Founder_Who_Learns_Faster\"><\/span>Final Thoughts: <strong>Be the Founder Who Learns Faster<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Everyone makes mistakes. But <strong>smart founders learn fast<\/strong>\u2014and avoid repeating what others already figured out the hard way. These ten lessons aren\u2019t just warnings\u2014they\u2019re the <strong>foundation for a startup that lasts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who\u2019s helped countless founders grow from idea to exit, I believe in the power of <strong>strategic clarity<\/strong>, <strong>honest leadership<\/strong>, and <strong>relentless execution<\/strong>. You don\u2019t have to be perfect\u2014but you do need to be <strong>adaptable<\/strong>, <strong>coachable<\/strong>, and <strong>committed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re building something and want to avoid these traps, let\u2019s connect. My name is <strong>Steven Sondang<\/strong>, and I\u2019m here to help tech founders <strong>build with purpose<\/strong>, <strong>grow with clarity<\/strong>, and <strong>succeed with integrity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting a tech company is a thrilling ride\u2014full of vision, energy, and the hope of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9602,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","meta_keywords":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"first-time tech founder"},"categories":[3],"tags":[32,33,34],"newstopic":[],"class_list":["post-2020","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-tech-startup","tag-startup","tag-tech-business","tag-tech-founder"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2020"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2020\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2020"},{"taxonomy":"newstopic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newstopic?post=2020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}