I was always interested in startups and didn't like the idea of working for someone else; I wanted to create cool new inventions and make a lot of money.

I fell into entrepreneurship accidentally; I went to college to be a computer programmer, but after the dot-com bubble burst, startups weren't on anyone's mind.

Working at Google was a great experience, but I never wanted to be an employee forever; I always felt the pull to be a founder.

Entrepreneurship is about envisioning how the world can be different and better, and feeling empowered to make those changes, which has driven my passion from a young age.

I never liked being at the mercy of anyone else, which drove my desire to create my own path and not be told what to do by parents, teachers, or bosses.

Curiosity about the startup experience can be a valid motivation to begin your entrepreneurial journey.

I never saw myself becoming a founder or CEO; I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, far from Silicon Valley, and was more focused on social justice during my youth.

After college, I worked at a biotech firm but felt the slow career progression pushed me to pursue entrepreneurship, especially after a roommate suggested we start a company together.

I wasn't thinking of making money; I just wanted to make a better vacuum cleaner.