Startup Success: Beyond the Hype of Awards, Accelerators, and PR

Startup Success: Beyond the Hype of Awards, Accelerators, and PR

The startup ecosystem is filled with milestones that feel like validation: getting into a top accelerator, winning a prestigious award, or closing a funding round. Each of these moments brings a surge of excitement and pride, and they should—they’re hard-earned achievements. But they also come with a subtle danger: the temptation to equate these milestones with lasting success.

As a founder, I’ve had my fair share of these moments. I’ve celebrated awards, been congratulated on funding rounds, and basked in the glow of media coverage. But I’ve also learned—sometimes the hard way—that these moments are fleeting. They don’t guarantee success, nor do they define it.

Jimi Hendrix used to say, "Don't believe your fans when they say you're amazing. You'll just stop practising and will lose yourself"

Here’s what I’ve come to realize about navigating the startup journey amidst the noise of external validation:

Awards Are Nice, But They Don’t Pay the Bills

In 2016, one of my startups was named Computable's "Startup of the Year." It was a proud moment—a recognition of our hard work, innovation, and ambition. But the next morning, nothing had changed. The challenges were still there. Customers didn’t care about the trophy on our shelf; they cared about whether we could solve their problems.

Awards are like a sugar rush—exciting in the moment, but not a substitute for real, sustainable nutrition. They can motivate your team and attract attention, but they’re not a measure of your startup’s longevity or impact. Real success lies in building something of value, not in collecting accolades.

Accelerators and Funding: The Starting Line, Not the Finish

Being accepted into a prestigious accelerator (we joined Startupbootcamp with full media coverage), or announcing a funding round feels like validation. It signals to the world—and to yourself—that your idea has potential. But it’s important to remember that these milestones are only the beginning.

Getting into an accelerator doesn’t make your product better. Raising funding doesn’t guarantee you’ll find product-market fit. These are tools, not outcomes. They give you resources, mentorship, and networks, but the hard work of building, iterating, and delivering value to your customers still lies ahead.

The hype surrounding these milestones can be misleading. Celebrate them, but don’t let them distract you from the grind. Success is determined by what you do after the press release.

The Danger of Believing Your Own PR

One of the biggest traps for startup founders is believing the hype. PR, media coverage, and social buzz can create a narrative that makes you feel unstoppable. But if you start to believe your own press, you risk losing focus on what truly matters.

Your customers don’t care about your TechCrunch feature or your latest award. They care about how well you solve their problems. Your team doesn’t stay motivated because of glossy press; they stay because they believe in your mission and your leadership.

I once heard a piece of advice that stuck with me: “If you believe your own PR, you’re doomed.” It’s true. Hype is fleeting, and buzz doesn’t build businesses. Founders must stay grounded, focusing on delivering value to customers—not to journalists or investors.

What Really Matters

In the end, startup success isn’t about how many awards you’ve won, how much funding you’ve raised, or how many followers you’ve gained. It’s about the fundamentals:

1. Customer Value: Are you solving a real problem for your customers? Do they trust and rely on your solution?
2. Team Alignment: Is your team aligned with your mission and focused on delivering results?
3. Sustainable Growth: Are you building a business model that can sustain itself over time?

Awards, accelerators, and PR are tools—they can open doors and create opportunities. But they’re not the measure of your worth or the foundation of your success.

A Call to Founders

If you’re a founder, take a moment to reflect: Are you chasing the hype, or are you focused on the work? Celebrate your milestones, but don’t let them define you. Your success lies in what you build, the value you deliver, and the lives you impact.

Let’s not get lost in the noise. Let’s build businesses that matter.

What has your experience been with milestones like funding rounds or awards? I’d love to hear your stories—drop them in the comments or send me a message. Let’s keep the conversation going.