Founders of a previously successful business have a 30% chance of success with their next venture.

A man with a beard wearing a gray shirt
Mark Ridgeon
April 20, 2024
5 min read
Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player...
Founders of a previously successful business have a 30% chance of success with their next venture.

Dive into the 30% Success Guideline

The entrepreneurial world is teeming with riddles one might find paradoxical. One of these conundrums being that founders of a previously successful business face a 30% chance with their next venture. This might seem counter-intuitive as one might expect a higher success rate from seasoned players. This is not to cast a gloomy shadow on one's aspirations but rather a pragmatic view needed in one's arsenal for strategic planning. We delve into this surprising statistic and its profound implications for business founders and CEOs. 

Decoding the 30% Success Notion

The propensity for founder success is no simplistic matter. The 30% success rule refers unequivocally to the odds of the founders' succeeding in their next venture which is based on historical data. These odds, when compared to first-time entrepreneurs, are significantly higher. Does this mean that previous success categorically predicts future triumphs? Not entirely.

Indeed, past achievements add certain merits: network relationships, strategic acumen, prior experience, or even brand recognition. However, invariably standing in equal measure are new challenges. These could range from unexplored markets to disrupted business models, demanding innovative solutions each time.

Significant Metrics for Founders

  1. Market Analysis: Understanding your market size, segmentation, customers, and trends are vital metrics to grasp. This knowledge provides you with the insight needed to position your next venture effectively.

  1. Financial Metrics: This includes key financial ratios like the income margins, cash-flow trends, or return on investment. These metrics furnishes the founders with a sturdy financial vision for the venture.

  1. Operational efficiency: This involves analysing the business processes, productivity measures, and manufacturing efficiency. High operational efficiency correlates directly with optimal use of resources, contributing to higher success probabilities.

  1. Customer Satisfaction: Measures like Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) indicate customer sentiment towards your business. Satisfying customers ensures loyalty, which is a strong pillar of business growth.

30% Success Rate - Breaking Down Real Cases

Let us examine how the 30% success proposition plays out in reality. Elon Musk, the renowned business maven, had his first success with Zip2 Corporation. His subsequent venture, SpaceX, also hoisted him onto the multinational stage as it revolutionised the space transportation industry.

Despite having the advantage of a previous success, Musk's Tesla venture faced near bankruptcy in 2008, underscoring that past success doesn't fully immunise against future uncertainties. Thus, remaining agile, innovative and resilient undoubtedly contributes towards harnessing the 30% success window.

Navigating the Missteps

It's easy to misconstrue the 30% guideline. Many founders might consider it a sure-shot route to success or wriggle into complacency. A potent mistake lies in being overconfident or neglecting market research since the founder has experience of a successful business. Such a misstep could lead to obliviousness towards potential market shifts or customer needs. 

Practical Insights and Wisdom

To leverage the 30% success rule in your favour, challenge your existing business acumen, always question your strategies, remain goal-oriented, and embrace the unknown.

Remember, experience of success doesn’t engender immunity from failure; it instead fosters resilience, a pragmatic perspective and preparedness for unchartered waters.

Looking Beyond the Horizon

In sum, the 30% success rule provides an interpretative framework for second-time founders. It is neither a prediction nor a prophecy but rather a median, influenced by a kaleidoscope of shifting variables. Yes, variables that each founder holds the potential to influence. For deeper understanding, one might delve into John Mullins and Randy Komisar's work, 'Getting to Plan B'.

In conclusion, embrace the 30% rule as a beacon, not a boundary, that will cast a realistic light on your entrepreneurial journey. The future, under the right constellation of variables, is yours to shape.

Founders of a previously successful business have a 30% chance of success with their next venture.
A man with a beard wearing a gray shirt
Mark Ridgeon
April 20, 2024
5 min read
Latest Resources

Our latest posts

Strategies for Optimising Your SaaS Sales Funnel

Optimising the SaaS sales funnel is essential for growth. Focus on content marketing, personalised engagement, proving product value, seamless onboarding, and building long-term customer relationships.

Read post

Effective Leadership Practices for Startup Growth

Effective leadership for startup growth involves setting a clear vision, building strong foundations, fostering innovation, creating high-performing teams, and maintaining a customer-centric approach.

Read post

Navigating Legal Due Diligence for Startups

Successfully running a startup requires navigating legal requirements diligently. This article outlines essential due diligence aspects, including financial, operational, and legal evaluations.

Read post
Utilising my extensive experience to drive your business growth.

Schedule a call with Mark to discuss your requirements.

Let's talk
5 golden stars horizontally aligned
“I have used many consultants in the past and have had some decent results. However, with Mark, things are just clearer, better, and he actually does a lot of the work rather than just tell me it needs to be done.”
An image of Ashley Beatens a man close up with a beard.
Ashley Beatens
ClimateWorks

There’s a reason why my clients go on to crush it.

"I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I dive deep into understanding your unique business challenges and aspirations. Then, I craft a custom strategic roadmap packed with actionable steps, designed to set you on the path to long-term growth and success. From startups to established businesses, my clients go on to dominate their respective industries, and it's no coincidence. It's the result of meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and a partnership that's committed to seeing you win."
The signature of Mark Ridgeon in purple ink

Mark Ridgeon

A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Execution

You can count on me to provide you with task completion estimates, not just leaving you hanging with a report.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Professional

I enjoy a good laugh, but I don't mess around when it's time to get down to business.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Innovative

My approach is unique, data-driven, and very hands on.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Supported

You will always have real-time communication with me via Slack and are supported at all times.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Dedicated

You will not find someone more dedicated to their work than me.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Global

I have worked with founders from around the globe.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Creative

I'm very good at thinking outside the box and picking up new business ideas quickly.
A simple black tick on a blue circle.

Focussed

My tasks are organised by AI and dropped in to my calendar automatically. This frees up my time to focus on getting sh*t done.

Proven process for success

This is a journey we take together.
01
02
03
04

Let's chat

Schedule a call for us to discuss how we can work together.

Proposal

I will plan a proposal that details the areas that need focus within your business.

Work

I join your team and integrate with your people as I execute the new strategy.

Test & results

The proof is in the pudding. I always complete what I say I will and will prove my results.