from Hacker News

The average age of a successful startup founder is 45 (2018)

by caaqil on 3/12/22, 11:14 PM with 6 comments

• by anthonygore on 3/13/22, 12:47 AM

  Founding a successful startup requires a tonne of soft skills that most people need time to build.

• by simulate-me on 3/13/22, 6:24 AM

  From what I see, looking at older people who have started companies, the most important aspect is building a strong network. This is useful in three ways:

  1. Identifying problems. When you have a large network, you have many opportunities to identify real problems faced by real people. These are great opportunities to start a business.

  2. Nepotism. Many close associates in your network will blindly trust and use your product in whatever capacity their position allows if it meets even a small need of theirs. It's sad, but it's true.

  3. Referrals. Your network can give refer your company to others outside your network who may be in need of similar solutions. Referrals aren't as easy to sell as a close associate in your network, but the chance to sell is often a great opportunity that wouldn't otherwise be available without a great network.

• by guard0g on 3/13/22, 12:37 PM

  A lot of truth in this: '...young founders are more financially constrained than more experienced ones, leading them to cede upside to investors at a lower price. In other words, younger entrepreneurs may be a better “deal” for investors than more experienced founders.'

• by cato_the_elder on 3/12/22, 11:49 PM

  Is it because older people are generally more financially secure and hence are more likely to found startups, successful or not?