Prioritizing Founder Mental Health in the Startup World

Breaking the stigma of mental health for founders and encouraging the venture community to do more about it.

Mar 28, 2023

Words of Wisdom
Founder Mental Health

Words of Wisdom

On the topic of mental health for entrepreneurs and founders …

"Being a founder is a journey filled with highs and lows, and it's important to acknowledge the impact it can have on mental health. As a community, we need to create safe spaces for founders to talk openly about their struggles and seek support. Mental health matters, and it's time we prioritize it in the startup world." - Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital

"Founders are the heartbeat of the startup ecosystem, and their mental health is crucial to the success of their companies. As investors, we have a responsibility to support founders not only financially, but also by investing in their well-being. By prioritizing founder mental health, we can help to create a more sustainable and supportive startup ecosystem." - Kirsten Green, founder of Forerunner Ventures

"As founders, we often treat our bodies and minds like machines, pushing them to the brink in service of our work. But in reality, we're fragile, vulnerable creatures who need care and attention to keep going. Don't neglect your mental health. It's the foundation upon which your company is built." - Rand Fishkin, the founder of Moz and SparkToro

VCs who invest money in startups should encourage the mental health of founders and invest in their access to coaching, therapy, and wellness tools.

Entrepreneurship is often seen as an exciting journey, where we take on risks to pursue our dreams and create successful businesses. However, the path to success is not always easy, and the challenges that entrepreneurs face can take a toll on their mental health.

Research has shown that individuals who have experienced adversity are more likely to pursue entrepreneurship. A study published in the Journal of Business Venturing found that entrepreneurs who experienced childhood adversity were more likely to take risks and exhibit entrepreneurial behavior. The study also found that entrepreneurs who experienced adversity were more likely to be resilient and persistent, traits that are important for success in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs who have experienced childhood adversity or significant life events, such as divorce or job loss, are more likely to start a business. These individuals are motivated by a desire for autonomy and control over their lives, which are important aspects of entrepreneurship.

And, young people today have faced a ton of adversity, from school shootings to a global pandemic. As our workforce changes to include more builders and problem solvers, this presents an incredible moment for entrepreneurship. That’s why more than ever, it underscores the need for mental health support as more young entrepreneurs navigate the uncertainties and challenges of starting a business.

While many founders focus on the tangible aspects of starting a business, such as securing funding and building a team, the importance of mental health is often overlooked. The mental health of a founder is crucial to the success of their startup. Founders who neglect their mental health may experience burnout, anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead and make decisions. It is crucial for founders to prioritize their mental health by building a support system of trusted friends, peers, community, family members, and professionals.

Investing in the mental health of founders can also help to mitigate the risk of burnout and increase the likelihood of success. Venture capitalists (VCs) can play an important role in supporting the mental health of founders by investing in their access to coaching, therapy, and wellness tools. By providing resources for founders to access these services, such as through employee assistance programs or partnerships with mental health providers, VCs can help to ensure that founders have the support they need to manage the stresses and challenges of entrepreneurship. This can ultimately lead to better outcomes for startups and investors alike.

It is time to recognize the importance of mental health in entrepreneurship. Prioritizing mental health can help to create a more supportive and sustainable ecosystem for startups, where founders can pursue their goals and build successful businesses without sacrificing their well-being.

As a society, we need to acknowledge the role of adversity in entrepreneurship and recognize the importance of mental health in the success of startups.

Founders who have experienced adversity may be more inclined to take risks and pursue their goals, but it is crucial that they prioritize their mental health in the process.

By building a support system and investing in mental health resources, founders can increase their chances of success and create a sustainable business that they can be proud of. It is time for VCs to invest not just in the tangible aspects of startups, but in the mental health of the founders who are driving innovation and creating new opportunities.

If you need help in building a mental health platform program for the founders in your portfolio companies, please let me know. The risks are too great to not invest in the overall well-being of entrepreneurs.

A healthy startup community is a thriving startup community.

I also shared this in a Twitter thread, here: