A big problem has to do with the marketing around some startups. To attract customers and VC money, it helps a lot to be successful early. But that takes real work. So some “founders” would rather create an “image” of success/desirability/whatever than do the hard work to achieve those things. So much smoke and mirrors.

Thankfully most people with a brain realize this soon after getting involved with these folks. I remember more than one “day one”, looking at a founder and knowing right away that he was full of shit and the company wouldn’t be around long and kicking myself for falling for a marketing con job. Makes it harder for the guys (and girls) doing the real work of building businesses.