07/09/2026
43% of startups failed in the last 2 years.
Most founders probably heard a lot of “yes” before they heard the first “no.”
And when the people around you keep saying “This is great,” it’s easy to believe you’re on the right track.
You have the idea.
You build the product.
You get people to try it.
So what went wrong?
Instead of asking:
“Would you use my product?”
Ask:
“Is this a problem you actually need solved?”
Then go deeper:
• How are you solving it today?
• How often does this problem happen?
• How much does it cost you?
• Have you ever paid for a solution?
• What would make you switch?
Because there’s a big difference between:
“I like your idea.”
and
“I have this problem, and I need a better solution.”
The first feels good.
The second gives you something you can actually build a business around.
So before you build more, test your ICP.
Talk to 10–15 people who actually fit the customer you want to serve.
Use the questions above.
Look for patterns, not compliments.
Because you don’t need more people saying “great idea.”
You need evidence that the right people have a problem worth paying to solve.
