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

Youth Entrepreneurship: Can Middle Schoolers be Founders?

There are tons of benefits when you teach young children about entrepreneurship. Not only do you raise children with better critical thinking skills, but you’ll also raise problem solvers.

Living the Founder Legend Isn't so Fun

Whenever we hear a story of somebody else’s win most likely we find it inspiring and decide that we want to be like them someday. But are you really willing to go through the pain they had to live through just to be where they are now?

Why Do VC Funded Startups Love "Fake Growth?"

Some Startup companies may look like they are soaring and scaling really fast but in reality, these Startups are spending more than they are getting back from revenue. So how can we identify whether we are going the real growth route or the fake growth route?

How Should I Share My Wealth with Family?

If you're always one call away from your family or friends whenever they need money and it’s supposed to be a “loan” but they have yet to pay anything back — Tune in to find out how you can actually build a financial relationship with your family!

How Many Deaths Can a Startup Survive?

Starting a business is just a series of recovering from deaths — but when does it start getting better and when would you realize that you should stop?

This is Probably Your Last Success

You’re there, you finally made it — so you think you can replicate that success? The truth is: the probability is low, so what can you do to change this mindset?

Why Do We Still Have Full-Time Employees?

Let’s find out what full-time employment realistically is for a startup and how you make the most out of it.

The Case Against Full Transparency

Being honest with your customers and clients will help attract more people to your company, but excessive sharing of information could also create some problems. So, how much transparency is too much?

Should I Feel Guilty for Failing?

While it's perfectly natural to feel disappointed when a startup fails, it's not cool to let guilt eat away at you. The key is to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.

Always Take Money off the Table

Let's discuss how Founders often miss out on paying themselves and why it's essential to grab it when it happens. You might not get this chance again — seize the moment and take that money off the table now.

Founder Impostor Syndrome Never Goes Away

Imposter syndrome can be tough, whether you're a seasoned startup pro or just starting out. But with the right mindset and tools, you can learn to recognize and overcome those nagging self-doubts.

When is Founder Ego Too Much?

We all know that confidence is key when you're starting a business, but sometimes it can be hard to tell when that confidence has turned into full-on arrogance. So how do we avoid this trap?

The Invention of the 20-Something-Year-Old Founder

With the changing landscape of technology and business, more young people are starting successful companies. Let's discuss the opportunities available to young people today, and how starting a business has evolved over the years.

Once a Founder, Always a Founder

Being a Founder is an integral part of our identity, and setbacks with one startup shouldn't make us doubt our ability to succeed in the role. After all, being a Founder isn't just a job – it's a deeply ingrained part of our DNA.

Big Starts Breed False Victories

There's a big problem with early praise and big hypes at the beginning of a startup, with no assurance of success. Let's discuss why early praise can be a double-edged sword for any budding entrepreneur.

The Toll of Everyone Around a Founder

Being a Founder can take a toll on everyone around you in different ways. Let’s deep dive into the nitty-gritty of how it impacts family, friends, and relationships.

Time is Our Greatest Asset

In the fast-paced world of startups, thinking long-term is a total game-changer. It not only toughens you up, but it also attracts investors and partners who are in it for the long run, boosting your chances of scoring lasting success in the crazy world of startups.

How Do I Design My Startup Around My Life?

There's very little preventing us from designing our startups around our life goals. It starts with us being very clear about what we want to achieve and then taking clear, small steps toward those outcomes.

Why Founders Don't Ask for Help

Founders sometimes hold back from asking for help because they worry about losing control, looking weak, burdening others, or feeling like they have to do everything themselves. However, it's actually really important for founders to push past these concerns and ask for help. Here's why.

Are Bootstrapped Startups Less Valuable?

What determines the value of a startup? While venture-funded startups may have more money and support initially, bootstrapped startups can still be just as valuable and successful.

Can You Build a Startup in Less than 40 Hours per Week?

Building a startup typically requires a significant investment of time and effort. While it's theoretically possible to work on a startup for less than 40 hours a week, it may significantly impact the chances of success.

Founders, Not All Problems Are Apocalyptic

While running a startup can be challenging and bring various obstacles, not every problem leads to failure or signifies the end. Tune in to hear how Founders can view problems as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What if this isn't a "Big Business"?

By reevaluating goals and priorities, Founders may discover the benefits of a steady and enduring approach that aligns with their vision and values, which can be mountains better than just "scaling rapidly" with no direction.

What if Our Dreams Are an Illusion?

Sometimes, the startup journey is more important than the final outcome, so it's crucial to think about whether the sacrifices are really worth it for your long-term happiness and sense of purpose.

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