Starting a tech company is a thrilling ride—full of vision, energy, and the hope of building something that truly matters. But it’s also a path filled with pitfalls. As someone who has spent over 15 years in the world of startups and digital strategy, I’ve seen time and again how even the most promising founders can get tripped up by a handful of avoidable mistakes.

I’m Steven Sondang, a Digital Marketer and Business Strategy Specialist, and this guide is for every aspiring tech founder who wants to avoid becoming just another cautionary tale. Here are the top 10 mistakes first-time founders make—and how you can sidestep them to build a more resilient, impactful company.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Co-Founders

This one’s personal. I’ve seen partnerships unravel quickly—sometimes within months. Did you know that over 50% of co-founder relationships fail?

If your co-founders don’t share your vision or work ethic, trouble will follow. A successful founding team is built on mutual respect, complementary skills, and aligned values. If you realise you’ve chosen the wrong co-founder, don’t delay. Take action early. It’s painful, but it prevents long-term damage.

Mistake #2: Not Implementing a Vesting Schedule

Founders often make handshake deals: “You take 40%, I’ll take 60%.” Then someone walks away, and suddenly you’ve given away a huge chunk of your company for nothing.

Use a standard vesting schedule: a one-year cliff, then monthly vesting over three years. This isn’t just for protection—it encourages long-term commitment. If you skipped this step already, it’s not too late. A startup lawyer can help you renegotiate equity terms.

Mistake #3: Not Spending Enough Time Recruiting

You are only as strong as your team. If you’re not spending at least 50% of your time recruiting and interviewing, you’re already behind.

Early hires will shape your company’s culture and performance. Great talent doesn’t just show up—you have to seek it, evaluate it, and sell your vision. Even if they won’t work directly under you, interview everyone.

Mistake #4: Avoiding the Details

Too many founders think strategy is about the big picture. But great CEOs know their burn rate, team velocity, and development timeline down to the decimal. If your CTO is managing everything in isolation, you’re not leading—you’re abdicating.

Know what matters. Get into the weeds. Your investors will expect it, and your team deserves it.

Mistake #5: Lack of Transparency

Startups are messy. Revenue targets get missed. Deadlines slip. But hiding the truth only breeds distrust.

Be radically honest. One time, I witnessed a CEO sugarcoat financial trouble during one-on-ones rather than addressing the entire team. It backfired—half the team left, 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.

Own your story. Your team will respect you more for it.

Mistake #6: Delegating Sales Too Early

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 you can—not in the early stages.

You understand the product. You believe in the mission. Customers love hearing directly from the founder. Learn to sell. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being authentic.

Mistake #7: Failing to Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario

Tech founders are natural optimists. But you need a contingency plan. What happens if revenue doesn’t arrive? If your round doesn’t close?

Create a worst-case financial plan. Know your runway. Cut unnecessary costs. Survive now so you can thrive later.

Mistake #8: Thinking Majority Ownership = Control

It’s a myth that owning 51% means you control your startup. The moment you need funding, your control depends on your performance—not your share count.

Execution earns trust. Investors back founders who deliver—not those who cling to voting rights. Focus on building value, not defending turf.

Mistake #9: Waiting Too Long to Fundraise

Many founders wait until they’re down to two months of cash before raising. Bad idea.

Raising money takes 6+ months—if not more. Start early. Always have at least 12 months of runway when you begin conversations. If you’ve waited too long, cut costs, extend runway, and hustle to earn more time.

Mistake #10: Poor Communication with Investors

Your investors are your partners. They want to help. But if you hide delays or sugarcoat challenges, you’ll lose their trust—and probably your job.

Be proactive. Update them regularly. If there’s bad news, call them first—before the board meeting. And always bring a solution or a plan. Your credibility depends on it.

Final Thoughts: Be the Founder Who Learns Faster

Everyone makes mistakes. But smart founders learn fast—and avoid repeating what others already figured out the hard way. These ten lessons aren’t just warnings—they’re the foundation for a startup that lasts.

As someone who’s helped countless founders grow from idea to exit, I believe in the power of strategic clarity, honest leadership, and relentless execution. You don’t have to be perfect—but you do need to be adaptable, coachable, and committed.

If you’re building something and want to avoid these traps, let’s connect. My name is Steven Sondang, and I’m here to help tech founders build with purpose, grow with clarity, and succeed with integrity.