It's common for founders to focus on unconventional aspects, like unique corporate structures, instead of addressing the core needs of their customers, which can hinder their success.

Founders sometimes prioritize their own interests over the company's, which can lead to poor governance and decisions that harm investors, such as structuring deals that favor themselves disproportionately.

Founders often complicate things unnecessarily, leading to distractions from core metrics that truly matter for business success.

Great new companies often look strange and don't fit conventional molds, which can lead investors to miss out on significant opportunities.

Having a personal board of directors is misguided; instead, focus on building genuine relationships that are mutually beneficial.

Innovation can be dangerous; while it can lead to great ideas, it can also risk the company's survival during transitions.

Some founders attempt to disprove established startup advice while trying to help their customers, which can lead to unnecessary complications and distract from their primary mission.

When starting a company, it's important to consider the unintended consequences of your product, as many founders tend to only look where the light is.

Most startup boards lack the necessary information to make informed decisions, which can lead to misguided strategies and a disconnect between the board and the founder's vision.