One thing I’ve come to appreciate as an investor is the impact of speed in the early stages of a startup. Speed isn’t just about pushing out a product quickly; it’s about rapidly testing, learning, and adapting to gain a competitive edge. Early on, I saw that moving fast—and sometimes breaking things in the process—can be the difference between a startup that stagnates and one that gains real traction.
From my observations across various startups, those that thrive often have a clear mantra: If something isn’t working, pivot quickly. It’s intense, but this mentality enables startups to make adjustments without wasting time or resources. Embracing speed is one of the biggest reasons I encourage founders to keep moving, learning, and iterating.
Speed as a Game Changer
Speed is critical for startups because it allows them to iterate quickly, respond to user feedback, and adjust based on market demands. One of the best examples I’ve observed of this approach is Airbnb. In its early days, Airbnb’s founders made a commitment to push the company forward by testing everything and adapting fast. After discovering that the quality of listing photos was key to attracting guests, they didn’t wait for a professional solution. Instead, the founders themselves visited hosts, photographed properties, and improved the listings.
This agile mindset was pivotal. With each cycle of feedback and improvement, Airbnb gained credibility and a growing user base. In three years, they went from hundreds to millions of users, and by 2022, they had over 6 million listings worldwide. This rapid scaling wasn’t just about technical efficiency—it was about a relentless focus on refining the product based on real-time user needs.
Balancing Speed and Focus
Moving fast doesn’t mean rushing without direction. From my experience, startups that sustain growth maintain a clear vision of their goals. One way to keep speed without sacrificing quality is to set specific, time-bound objectives. In the startups I observe, weekly or bi-weekly sprints often help founders stay on track. These sprints focus on the most critical improvements and direct user feedback, allowing founders to prioritize without feeling overwhelmed.
I’ve seen startups try to build too much too quickly, which leads to burnout. This is why I often advise founders to balance speed with a targeted focus. If everything feels urgent, then nothing truly is. Focus on the few things that bring the most value to users and move quickly on those.
The Role of “Breaking Things”
“Move fast and break things” became popular in startup culture, in large part due to Facebook. It implies taking calculated risks, being willing to make mistakes, and, most importantly, learning from them. From an investor’s perspective, mistakes aren’t a setback; they’re opportunities for insight.
One of the most compelling cases of this approach I’ve observed is Slack. Initially, Slack’s team set out to build an online gaming platform, which didn’t gain much traction. But they noticed that their internal communication tool was a hit among users, so they pivoted to create the product we know today. By moving quickly and embracing feedback, they turned a small internal feature into a billion-dollar communication platform.
Avoiding Burnout
The culture of moving fast can be exhilarating but exhausting. I’ve seen firsthand how the drive to grow quickly can push teams to the edge. Burnout becomes a real risk when there’s relentless pressure to move forward. To avoid this, I encourage founders to maintain a sustainable pace.
One of the best strategies is to create a work structure that encourages rest and recovery. Setting boundaries is essential, even if it’s difficult in the startup world. I often suggest guidelines to prevent burnout, such as limiting late-night work or designating specific “no-meeting” days to focus on core tasks. These simple adjustments can prevent burnout and keep energy levels high.
Practical Tips for Speed and Sustainability
For founders seeking to accelerate growth, here are some practical strategies to maintain speed without sacrificing quality or well-being:
Set Clear Goals: Identify the critical tasks that will create the most value. Airbnb’s early focus on improving listing photos was pivotal to their growth. Define what’s essential, and tackle that first.
Iterate and Learn: Test ideas quickly and gather feedback. Don’t be afraid to break what isn’t working. Small, rapid iterations often lead to significant improvements.
Focus on Value: Concentrate on delivering what users find most valuable. Slack’s success came from pivoting to a communication tool that users loved, rather than sticking to a failing product.
Prevent Burnout: Sustainable growth means finding a pace you can maintain. Implement work structures that allow for breaks and ensure your team is energized for the journey ahead.
The Edge of Moving Fast
Speed is a startup’s best tool for gaining a competitive edge. It allows startups to outpace competitors, adapt to changing user needs, and grow faster. When done right, moving fast is more than just a tactic; it’s a mindset that drives growth and innovation. For any founder, the goal is to find that balance—moving quickly, learning fast, and staying resilient. Because in today’s startup world, the companies that succeed are the ones that dare to move, break, and rebuild faster than anyone else.