Atticus Advisors

There’s a familiar narrative in startup culture—one where inspired founders raise millions in a pitch-perfect moment and scale to unicorn status overnight. But for most seasoned founders and co-founders reading this, the reality is far more nuanced, often defined by long nights, mounting pressure, and a cycle of persistent trial and error. A recent study reinforces this with sobering data: 72% of entrepreneurs report grappling with mental health challenges due to the stress of building a business.

We often romanticize the startup journey as a whirlwind of big ideas, fast funding, and immediate traction. The reality, of course, is far more complex. While nearly 4.7 million businesses are launched annually in the U.S., most never cross the finish line. Within five years, nearly half shut down; by year ten, two-thirds are gone.