Don’t Start a Business Until You Read This!

Starting a business is exciting. You’ve got the idea, the energy, and maybe even the domain name. But before you jump in headfirst, here’s something no one tells you: the real challenges don’t show up in pitch decks or productivity hacks.

I’ve been in the gaming industry for over a decade, and in 2012, I started my own company - GodSpeed Games. We began with just two people and a shared vision. Fast forward, we’ve worked on over 1000 games, grown to a team of 100+, and eventually got acquired. Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, here’s what that dream actually looks like from the inside.

Starting is Easy. Staying is Hard.

Anyone can start. You’ll find support, motivation, and even applause when you announce your startup. But staying in the game — through cash flow crunches, team attrition, client dry spells, and self-doubt — that’s where the real test begins.

You’re Not Building a Product. You’re Building a System.

Most founders obsess over their service or product. But what you’re really building is a system — operations, people, finance, delivery, and culture. If the system is weak, your business won’t scale. Period.

You Will Outgrow People - And They Will Outgrow You.

Hiring is easy. Building a team that scales with your business is not. You’ll face moments when the people who helped you start the journey may not be the ones who can take you to the next level — and that’s okay. Letting go with respect is part of growing up as a founder.

Sales is Your # 1 Job (Even If You Hate It)

You might be a developer, designer, or creative at heart — but once you become a founder, you are the Chief Salesperson. Whether it’s pitching clients, onboarding investors, or convincing someone to join your team — it’s all sales.

Founders Don’t Burn Out From Work. They Burn Out From Isolation.

People talk about hustle culture and 80-hour weeks. But what really wears you down is carrying the weight of decisions alone. That’s why building a network, having mentors, or even a co-founder who shares the load matters more than you think.

Funding Isn’t the Goal. Survival Is.

Don’t glamorize investment. Many great companies are bootstrapped and profitable. What matters more than raising capital is building a business that survives without it. If you raise, raise to grow — not to stay alive.

Build Something People Value - Not Just Something You Love

Passion is important, but value is what people pay for. Find the intersection between what you love and what the market wants. That's where real business happens.

Final Thoughts

Starting GodSpeed Games was the best decision of my life - and also the hardest. I’ve made mistakes, learned hard lessons, and grown with every setback. If there’s one takeaway I’d leave you with, it’s this:

Start only if you're willing to grow through discomfort. Start only if you're ready to fail, learn, and try again. And start only if you’re committed to building something bigger than yourself.

Your startup is not just a company. It’s a test of character.

Are you ready?