Solo Entrepreneurship — A Curse or a Superpower? Here Are 12 Reasons I Decided to Build a Startup Alone. Here's why solo foundership can be a powerful choice.
By Dima Maslennikov Edited by Chelsea Brown
Key Takeaways
- Solo entrepreneurship is often viewed as a risky endeavor, overshadowed by the conventional wisdom that startups require co-founders to succeed.
- However, with recent data showing that 24% of co-founder relationships dissolve within four years, solo foundership emerges as not only viable but, in some cases, a strategic advantage.
- In this article, I aim to shed light on the untold strengths of solo founders, drawing from my personal journey as a serial entrepreneur and the founder of PitchBob.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Hi, I'm Dima, the founder of PitchBob, an AI co-pilot for entrepreneurs. And yes, I'm a solo founder. Worse yet (or so they say), I'm a business-oriented founder, not a technical one. That's a dead-end case, some might argue. And to some extent, they might be right. But only to some extent.
Recently, Carta published a study stating that 24% of co-founders in startups founded by two people don't last beyond the four-year mark. In other words, one in four startups with co-founders turns into a solo-founder-led startup within four years. "Wow," I thought. "Wow," investors must have thought, especially those who poured their money into a "dream team" of co-founders, only to end up with a solo founder at the helm.
PitchBob isn't my first startup. I've been through both successes and a fair share of failures, all with co-founders by my side.
Some of you might also be considering this choice, feeling the pressure from experts, investors, mentors and the so-called industry norms that insist startups must have co-founders.
I'm not here to dissuade or argue. Solo founding isn't for everyone. Instead, I want to focus on the advantages of solo foundership — the reasons why I chose this path. Who knows, perhaps in the future, I'll bring on a technical co-founder, but for now, the positives outweigh the potential downsides.
Related: Infographic: Do You Really Need A Co-Founder?
1. Conflict-free leadership
Conflicts between co-founders are among the top reasons startups fail. While solo founders face risks like burnout, illness or unforeseen circumstances, the structure is inherently more stable. Why? Because there's no risk of falling apart due to disagreements over strategy, priorities or personal differences.
When you're running a startup alone, you have the final say on every decision. This clarity can be a significant advantage in the uncertain and often chaotic world of startups.
2. Managing ego and recognition
Let's face it — entrepreneurs often thrive on recognition. Splitting equity might be simple, but sharing the spotlight is a different story. Like the frontman in a band, the leader often gets the glory. If co-founders are equally driven by the need for recognition, this can lead to friction.
As a solo founder, I don't have to navigate these challenges. Every success of the company is a direct reflection of my leadership. This dynamic eliminates potential tensions over credit and recognition.
3. Complete control
As a solo founder, I enjoy the freedom to make decisions without needing consensus. This autonomy allows me to act swiftly and decisively, which is critical in the fast-moving world of startups.
I set the vision, define the strategy and make adjustments as needed, without compromising due to differing opinions. It's not about rejecting collaboration but about preserving clarity in execution.
4. Financial independence
Solo founders retain complete ownership of their company. I don't have to divide shares, revenue or control with another founder. This simplifies financial planning and gives me full authority over the company's monetary decisions.
Investors also benefit from a cleaner equity structure. There's no risk of disagreements over financial matters between co-founders, making the company's financial strategy more transparent.
5. Team building
Building a team as a solo founder means I can hire people who truly align with my values and vision. There's no need to compromise on hiring decisions due to conflicting priorities between co-founders.
This autonomy extends to shaping the organizational culture. I can create an environment that reflects my principles and aspirations without diluting it to accommodate another founder's perspective.
Related: The Myth of Co-Founders
6. Personal growth
Being a solo founder is an intense growth experience. The challenges push you to develop resilience, adaptability and leadership skills. It's not just about running a company — it's about growing as a person.
There's no one to share the burden, but there's also no one to share the triumphs. That singular accountability drives unparalleled growth.
7. Streamlined decision-making
Without a co-founder, the process of developing and launching ideas is faster. There's no need for endless discussions or compromises. When building PitchBob, I could focus entirely on getting the MVP ready without having to align with someone else's vision or timeline.
This streamlined decision-making can make all the difference in a competitive market where speed is crucial.
8. Reduced bureaucracy
Solo foundership simplifies operations. There are fewer meetings, less paperwork and no co-founder agreements to manage. The administrative overhead is significantly lower, allowing me to dedicate more time to the core tasks of building the company.
This lack of bureaucracy also means greater agility. Changes can be implemented immediately without lengthy discussions or approvals.
9. Unified vision
One of the greatest strengths of solo foundership is the ability to maintain a unified vision for the company. There's no risk of misalignment between co-founders or conflicting priorities.
This consistency resonates throughout the organization, creating clarity for employees, investors and customers alike.
10. Motivation through responsibility
Knowing that the company's success depends entirely on me is both a challenge and a source of motivation. Every decision feels significant, and every milestone is a testament to my efforts.
This level of accountability drives focus and determination. There's no one else to share the blame or the credit, which makes each step of the journey deeply meaningful.
11. Unique solutions
When all decisions stem from a single person, the company's strategy and solutions often feel more authentic and distinctive. As a solo founder, I have the freedom to pursue ideas that align with my unique vision without having to compromise with others.
Related: 5 Ways for Solopreneurs to Sustain Momentum and Thrive
12. Clarity in execution
Solo foundership provides unmatched clarity in execution. With no competing opinions or priorities, every decision is aligned with the company's goals. This focus ensures that the company moves in a consistent direction without the risk of internal conflicts derailing progress.
Solo foundership isn't for everyone. The challenges are real, and the path can feel isolating at times. But for those who thrive on independence, control and responsibility, it can be a powerful way to build a business.
