Startups are born in garages over a couple of beers, right? At least, that’s what I’ve heard! Or maybe I’m mistaken… Either way, startups are often founded among friends rather than strangers—at least according to folklore. The data, however, tells a different story: this happens in only about 40% of cases. That’s why tools like incubators, startup studios, and accelerators exist—to institutionalize this fruitful process of forming interpersonal relationships around an idea.
I was reading an article in Le Monde about the “bande de potes”—the band of friends—where a culture of shared overwork pushes people to work excessively while chasing a forced sense of socialization. In other words, it’s the dark side of how “cool” it is to work at Google.I believe this shadow side of startups is becoming more evident over time. One thing, however, is clear: like any workplace where we spend a significant part of our lives, a startup provides an opportunity to develop relationships. The key is aligning this with individual desires and personal characteristics. motivated in their work. Some people love after-work drinks with colleagues; others despise them—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t motivated in their work.
In short, the band of friends shouldn’t be an excuse for excessive work hours or forced socialization. At the same time, startups have the opportunity to foster growth, quickly giving people responsibility and rewarding their efforts with personal and professional development (and, eventually, financial gains). This implicit pact between employer and—by now, highly motivated—employee should be as clear as possible.
So, what are the risks that come with this peculiar characteristic of startups, this strange creature we see approaching from afar with its one-horned silhouette?
Are we able to see its full shape?
