Insights from Silicon Valley: We’re all on our own together

Being a tech startup founder often sounds exciting - building something new, chasing big ideas, and maybe even shaking up an industry. But there’s a side to it that doesn’t get talked about as much: it can be pretty lonely.

I recently joined a group of startup founders on a three-week trip from Scotland to San Francisco. The goal was to explore Silicon Valley, learn from experts, and connect with potential clients and investors. The itinerary was flexible, with a central hub in San Francisco, allowing founders to book meetings, attend events, and dive into the heart of the tech world. The hope was that these founders would return with invaluable insights and connections that could offer them a serious advantage in the Scottish tech ecosystem.

However, it became clear early on that not everyone felt confident going in to the experience. One founder admitted they were nervous about even coming. Travelling such a long distance and spending three weeks with a group of near-strangers can feel intimidating for anyone, and it’s not hard to understand why. When you’re leading a startup, there’s constant pressure to appear confident and in control. You’re responsible for so much - your team, your product, your investors - so the thought of spending that much time with other ambitious entrepreneurs, many of whom may be in similar or even more advanced stages, can feel overwhelming.

But something interesting happened almost as soon as we arrived. While each founder had travelled alone, leaving cofounders, teams, and families behind, there was something about that shared sense of being alone that brought everyone together. 

Within just a few days, all sense of nervousness was gone. Almost without prompting, the founders began opening up, sharing their challenges, fears, and asking for advice. What stood out to me was the generosity each founder showed in these conversations. There was no sense of competition, only a desire to help one another. People would host impromptu learning sessions, review each other’s business plans, and even schedule last-minute hackathons to help develop new ideas. It was clear that these founders were not just gaining business knowledge - they were finding the kind of support and solidarity that’s often missing in the lonely world of startup building.

This experience made me realise how essential these kinds of connections are, especially for startup founders. Sometimes, it’s the most daunting experiences - whether it’s travelling halfway across the world or admitting your fears to a peer - that lead to the most meaningful personal and professional growth. By stepping out of their comfort zones, these founders not only expanded their networks but also found a support system that would last long after the trip was over.

So, if you ever find yourself hesitant to join a networking event or go on that trip because it feels intimidating, remember that you’re not alone in feeling that way. Taking that leap, even if it feels daunting at first, might lead to some of the most valuable connections and lessons of your entrepreneurial journey. 

If you want to be eligible for future Techscaler opportunities, sign up and become a member.