Founders often mistakenly believe that the reasons investors provide for rejection are the actual problems with their startup, rather than considering other potential issues.

The discomfort of engaging with customers and seeking feedback is often more productive than simply writing code in isolation. Founders often delay launching their companies due to fear of criticism and discomfort with social interactions, which can stall their learning process.

Founders often hide behind their keyboards instead of engaging in person with potential customers, which is crucial for validation.

Founders often make excuses when asked direct questions about their startup's challenges, creating complicated narratives that place blame on external factors instead of taking responsibility for their growth and customer acquisition.

Young founders often prioritize what investors want over solving problems they genuinely care about, which can hinder their potential.

Talking to an overly optimistic founder can initially be exciting, but as the conversation continues, you may become confused about their lack of tangible progress or insights.

Founders should seek ground truth answers from customers rather than relying on authority figures for validation of their ideas. Investors often misunderstand that founders need ground truth to validate their ideas, rather than just applying solutions from one context to another.

Many founders face a 'fake crisis' where they feel pressured to act urgently, even when there are no significant issues affecting their company.

Talking to advisors about the challenges of running a startup is not just about tactics; it's also about seeking emotional support and understanding that the journey can be tough.