We've all been watching the news, and it's hard to deny that there is a lot of uncertainty in the air. Economic experts are divided on whether we are headed for a recession, but it's certainly something that all businesses — especially startups — need to be prepared for. A recession can be defined as a significant decline in economic activity lasting more than a few months. It is typified by high unemployment, stagnant or falling wages, and declining home values.
In a letter to its portfolio founders, Y Combinator, a Silicon Valley startup accelerator, warned that we may be approaching a significant economic downturn. "No one can predict how bad the economy will get, but things don’t look good," they wrote, before going on to list a number of measures that startups should take to weather the storm. Without mincing their words, YC informed founders that their "goal should be to get to Default Alive." This refers to the minimum level of cash that a startup should have in the bank to stay afloat, without having to make any major cuts or changes to its business.
As YC correctly pointed out in their letter, anyone who has started a company in the last 5 years will have a skewed perception of the fundraising experience. The stock market has enjoyed a bull run since 2009, and many startups have raised money on terms that would have been unthinkable in previous economic cycles. This might be about to change. In a recession, investors will become far more risk-averse and it will become harder to raise money. Startups that have been living hand-to-mouth, with no cash in the bank, will find it especially difficult.
However, not everyone agrees that the current situation is as dire as YC makes it out to be. A representative from Andreessen Horowitz — a venture capital firm that specialises in investing in tech companies and the crypto sphere — spoke to CNBC to discuss the possible silver linings of a coming recession. "Bear markets are often when the best opportunities come about, when people are actually able to focus on building technology rather than getting distracted by short-term price activity,” said Arianna Simpson, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz.
Andreessen Horowitz is speaking from experience — they released their first crypto-focused fund back in 2018 amid a crypto winter. Their bet certainly paid off when the crypto market reached staggering heights during the 2020 pandemic-fueled bull run. And with the recent announcement of their fourth crypto fund — worth $4.5 billion — it's clear that their faith in the long-term potential of digital assets remains strong.
Opinions might be divided on whether we're heading for an economic winter, but there's no denying that it pays to be prepared. This doesn't mean panicking and making drastic cuts, but it does mean being smart about how you use your resources and conserve your cash. And while a recession may seem like all doom and gloom, there are actually opportunities for startups that are willing to adapt and pivot their business models. If your competitors are collapsing, then even simply surviving can make you a market leader.
The Keys To Surviving & Thriving In An Economic Winter
So, how can your startup survive and even thrive during an economic winter? Here are some key aspects to keep in mind.
1. Stay lean & conserve cash
One of the most important things you can do during an economic downturn is to stay lean and conserve cash. This means cutting costs where you can and making sure that your burn rate is as low as possible. It might seem counterintuitive to be thinking about saving money when your main goal should be to grow your business. However, it's important to remember that a recession is a time of uncertainty, and you need to be prepared for the worst.
2. Focus on your core product or service
During a recession, it may be necessary to focus your business efforts on your core products and services and save the experimentation for later. This is a time to focus on what's working and to make sure that your core offerings are as strong as possible. Your customers will be looking for value during a recession, so it's important to make sure that your product or service is delivering on that.
3. Think long-term
While it's important to focus on the here and now, long-term survival is what matters. A recession can be an opportunity to invest in your business and position yourself for future growth. This could mean investing in new technology or taking the time to build out your team. Whatever it is, make sure you're thinking about the long-term health of your business and the position you want to be in when you come out on the other side.
4. Be adaptable & agile
A recession requires agility. This means if something is not working in the current climate, you need to be willing to change your business model or pivot your offering to meet the needs of your customers. This can be particularly intimidating during a period of economic uncertainty, but it's important to remember that this is also a time of opportunity. If you can adapt your business to the changing landscape, you'll be in a much better position to survive — and even thrive.
5. Seek out opportunities
A recession can actually be a great time to seek out new opportunities. This might mean taking advantage of lower costs to expand your business or partnering with other businesses in your wider sector. It could also mean exploring new markets or customer segments that have arisen from economic changes. The key is to be on the lookout for opportunities and be willing to seize them.
Embrace The Change & Position Your Business For Long-term Success
Economic uncertainty can be a stressful time for founders, but it doesn't have to be the end of your startup. If you're willing to stay open-minded, be adaptable, and make the effort to conserve your resources, while maintaining a flexible mindset, it's possible to not only survive but thrive during an economic winter. So, embrace the challenge and use it as an opportunity to position your business for long-term success.
And if you're looking for a more cost-effective solution when making critical hires, Funded.club is here to help. Our fixed-fee recruiting model is more popular than ever with a full headhunting service from USD 3900 / €3300 per hire (and yes :) headhunting is still needed in this market to find the very best people for your business).
By focusing your recruitment efforts on hiring a smaller number of key employees, we can help you funnel your resources in the most efficient way possible. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today.
Leave a Comment