What does it take to build a tech startup?

Entrepreneurial minds are everywhere! However, out of 66% of young professionals that want to start a business, only 4% take the leap. The biggest success stories make us all dream about the accomplishments, but rarely educate us on all the struggles and challenges that make up a substantial part of the journey.

Starting a company is not smooth sailing

The hard truth is that starting a company is far from being smooth sailing, and many entrepreneurs lack the knowledge on the type of support they need. In the last decade, the emergence of startup accelerators and incubators has grown rapidly across the Netherlands. 

Such accelerators are looking for early-stage startups and established teams working on an idea to contribute to the growing startup ecosystem. However, what about the majority of brilliant and determined people that want to become an entrepreneur but don’t know where to start. Should they look to find a co-founder?

What does the ideal founder look like?

According to Magnus Grimeland, CEO of Antler, there are three main traits to look for in future founders: Drive, problem-solving skills and a clear spike. "We strongly believe that those provide a good foundation when building a fast-growing company.”

Common traits amongst startup founders include:

• Leadership potential
• Fast learner / quick thinker
• Humble
• Drive and discipline
• Technical or domain expertise
• An average of 7 - 8 years of professional experience

Entrepreneurs must realise that joining a startup generator program is a demanding task. Magnus Grimeland reinforces that in order to succeed, “founders need to overcome huge challenges using unique and creative ways.

The founder selection process

There are a couple of things you should prepare for in order to make a strong application to become a founder. Prospective entrepreneurs should expect a rigorous selection process, with both online and offline interviews as well as cognitive skills tests, which are conducted in order to access the candidate's skills and mindset.

How a startup generator helps entrepreneurs

" I learned a lot about startups, building teams and most importantly the kind of business I am passionate about"

Participating in a startup generator programme helps provide a ton of value to entrepreneurs. When looking for this type of programme make sure you research well. Things that should weigh in your decision: Ensure there is a broad mix of experienced tech and business or product founders; investigate the duration of the programmes - shorter programmes will enable you to be more ambitious; make sure you know whether you get funded to join the program or you need to pay.

Furthermore, look for programmes which offer intensive mentorship, access to global networks and prestige, as this can positively impact your own personal brand.

Startup generator programmes provide an outstanding opportunity to those that want to take an entrepreneurial leap and transform an early concept into a real enterprise. With the right ambition to become a founder, you can take the leap and help build the next big wave of tech companies.