I’ve wanted to discuss this topic for some time and finally the inspiration for this came from a post on Reddit called, “Quit my job take the plunge on my own ideas?”. This is my background, I’m a software developer, I’ve worked at a handful of startups(MediaMiser, Leapshot Labs, Vectorface) and more recently I’m the CEO/Co-Founder of GamerBet.

What To Expect With Startup Life

Emotional Roller coasters

Ups & downs happen all the time but the giant drops will mess you up. @scott

When non-founders ask me to describe what it’s like running a startup it can be summed up in one phrase, ‘emotional roller coaster’. There are a lot of components involved in running a startup ranging from vision, fundraising, product, sales, marketing, legal, etc.

Here is an example that I had to deal with in January. After more than a dozen emails back and forth I was able to get an in person meeting with investor Gary Vaynerchuk. Of course I was thrilled, I packed my bags and I flew to New York for the meeting. The night before the meeting I received an email saying that the meeting had to be cancelled due to the winter storm. Fuck. All sudden that excitement nose dived and I was left with nothing but the feeling of failure.

Depression & Failure

The struggle of running a startup with everything on your shoulders. @adam

Prior to starting GamerBet I wouldn’t have described myself as someone who had dealt with depression but since starting it has felt like I’ve struggle with times of depression. You might ask, how can someone become depressed from running a startup? Well as a founder I’m responsible for everything that happens. This includes the stuff most people will argue isn’t my fault but ultimately there is no one to blame but yourself as a founder. There are three other co-founders(Collin, Phil & Sabrina) and every day I’m one decision away from failing and or letting them down. Now let me ask you, who wouldn’t get a little messed up from that? The amount of pressure on your shoulders day to day is extreme.