Investors treating startup investments like stock investments led to unrealistic expectations, as they applied public market valuation metrics to early-stage companies, which have much higher failure rates.

Investors often chase opportunities in startups, hoping to profit from future growth, which can lead to inflated valuations that may not be sustainable.

Founders often psych themselves out by worrying about competitors, especially when they see a competitor raise significant funding, leading them to feel like they are failing.

Investors know that founders want high valuations and often leverage this by offering a desired valuation while asking for unfavorable terms.

I made the mistake of comparing my startup to competitors who had already raised money, which led to unrealistic expectations about my own fundraising efforts.

Startups often underestimate their expenses, especially in the early days when founders may undervalue their own time and efforts.

Many founders mistakenly believe their fundraising experience will mirror that of others based on anecdotal evidence, leading to unrealistic expectations about their own fundraising efforts.

Founders often struggle with unrealistic expectations, believing that once they launch their product, it will immediately succeed, which can lead to disappointment.

Founders often overspend because they haven't realized that their product isn't what customers want yet, leading them to chase after growth without understanding their market.