The Reality of Entrepreneurship | The Struggle Is Real with Stijn Vanorbeek

Building a business is a constant battle against risk, uncertainty, and the unknown. In this episode, we dive deep into the struggles of entrepreneurship, from high-stakes decisions to last-minute breakthroughs. Stijn Vanorbeek shares his intense experience of betting everything on a business deal that nearly collapsed—only to find the solution minutes before disaster struck.

This conversation explores the reality behind success, why entrepreneurship isn’t just about risk-taking, and how experience and strategy can help navigate the toughest challenges. Whether you're a founder, investor, or someone chasing a big goal, this discussion will resonate.

Key Topics:

• The true nature of entrepreneurship—why it’s about mitigating risk, not chasing it
• The lily pad analogy—how business growth means constantly jumping with less runway
• How one small mistake nearly led to financial ruin
• The pressure of high-stakes deals and making critical decisions under deadlines
• Why experience and thick skin make a difference in long-term success
• The misconception of venture capitalists betting on risk
• How the startup ecosystem is maturing, and what it means for future entrepreneurs

Quotes:

• "Starting a business is like jumping between lily pads—the gaps get bigger, but the runway gets shorter."
• "Entrepreneurship isn’t about taking risks; it’s about mitigating them."
• "You push and push until you’re minutes away from disaster—then somehow, you figure it out."
• "Investing in risky businesses doesn’t guarantee success. The best returns come from strategic decisions, not blind risk-taking."
• "Experience doesn’t remove challenges—it just gives you better tools to handle them."