Wil Schroter

About

Wil Schroter is the Founder + CEO @ Startups.com, a startup platform that includes Bizplan, Clarity, Fundable, Launchrock, and Zirtual. He started his first company at age 19 which grew to over $700 million in billings within 5 years (despite his involvement). After that he launched 8 more companies, the last 3 venture backed, to refine his learning of what not to do. He's a seasoned expert at starting companies and a total amateur at everything else.

Articles

What Founders Learn From Growing up Broke

Growing up broke sucks, but can be one of the most valuable assets to shape us as a Startup Founder.

What do We "Owe" Our Employees?

Employees are a key component in the livelihood of a startup. For all of the work they invest, what return should they rightfully expect on that effort?

Using a "Safe Space" to Develop Diversity

How do we build a diverse culture at our startups if we haven't established a safe space to discuss our differences?

Hey Founders — Here's how to take a Hint from Investors

When it comes to investors, if their answer isn't an enthusiastic "YES" — it's a "No." We as Founders need to be aware of the signals and take a hint.

Hey Investors — Here's how to say "No" to us

How an investor says "No" to a Founder makes a BIG difference.

Startup Careers: How to Create Career Paths at a Small Startup

Having a startup with a smaller staff, we have to lean in heavily on being the better alternative to a corporate career path, not a limitation of one.

Retiring Early is a Broken Concept

Retiring isn't really our end goal, so we shouldn't aspire to it. What we really want is to shape our life the way we want it to be.

How We Built an 8-Figure Business by Saying “No”

Sometimes saying "no" is the best thing we can do for us as Founders, as well as for our startup.

We Want to be Safe, Not Just “Rich”

Being safe is a luxury, and something often overlooked while building a startup. As Founders, we need to remember that paying the bills should be our ultimate goal, and hope that the "riches" follow suit.

Optimize for the Probability of Outcomes, Not Size

As Founders, it's important to have a realistic approach to building our company (even if it's our dream). Optimizing for probable outcomes over the size of our company is part of that approach.

Money Doesn’t Define a Successful Startup

Money does not directly equal success in our startup. Real success if pursuing our goals without having to compromise our souls.

Why Our Founder Reputation Matters

How we represent ourselves as Founders follows us throughout our startup journey. It's more than first impressions, it's how we handle everything from shaking hands — to closing doors.

Form an Advisory Board to help Raise Capital

There are multiple benefits in forming an Advisory Board for our startup. Raising capital is one of them.

The Right Way to Ask for an Introduction

Introductions are favors, and favors have value. How we ask for an introduction is an important component not only to ourselves, but to those we are asking to introduce us as well.

How do I leave my Startup Stress at Work?

While startup stress might not ever diminish completely, how we manage it can help us navigate balance in our lives as Founders.

What’s the Least a Founder Should Know About Finance?

As Founders, if we don't know about startup financing, we are a liability to the company.

Why can’t I be OK with where I am?

Our goals shouldn't be about what we don't have. They should be about celebrating what we do have.

What’s the Downside of a Co-Founder?

Is having a Co-Founder worth its weight in ownership? Before you see the downside, make sure you know what you're willing to give up for it.

Is it Better to be Located in a Major City?

Living in a major city has its advantages, but that doesn't mean that's where we need to be for ultimate success as a Founder.

Sometimes Shrinking is the Right Move

Sometimes in order for the company to grow, we have to shrink first.

How Relationships Change When You're Successful

As our success grows, our relationships will change. It's inevitable.

Where to Find Opportunities in a Recession

When crisis is unavoidable, strong Founders will find the right opportunities during a recession.

Bringing on an Investor Means Hiring Your Boss

When we raise money from an investor, we are really bringing on our new boss.

Treat Departing Employees like Future Employees

While saying goodbye to departing employees isn’t easy, how we handle it is totally in our control and can impact our future professional relationships.

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