Introduction to Venture Building

Over the last 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in many ventures, from building from scratch to advising others. During this time, one thing has become crystal clear to me: Asking the right questions is key to making informed and strategic decisions. It’s amazing how even the most obvious questions can be overlooked, and this can lead to poor decision-making with long-term consequences.

This series of articles is designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners, and angel investors by highlighting critical questions they should be asking at each stage of their venture-building journey. Whether you are thinking about launching your first startup, or preparing for an investment opportunity, the answers to these questions will provide clarity and guide your next steps.

Why Asking the Right Questions is Crucial

Venture building is more than just a process—it’s a series of decisions. From the initial idea to eventual growth and potential exit, you’ll constantly face choices that will determine the success of your venture. The challenge is knowing what to ask and when to ask it.

For example, before you start a venture, questions about your personal motivations, goals, and capacity to commit to the long hours and financial uncertainty are crucial. Before investing in a business, you need to know how the investment aligns with your overall financial strategy and how much risk you are willing to tolerate. And when selling a startup, having a deep understanding of the valuation process, the market environment, and your post-sale plans is essential.

What This Series Covers

This article is the first in a series that will explore the key questions to ask before starting, investing in, or selling a startup. Each section will delve into different aspects of venture building, including market analysis, competitors, strategy, financials, and much more.

Who This Series is For

This series is for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone involved in startups at any stage of the journey. Whether you are in the planning stages, actively running a company, or preparing for your next big exit, these articles will serve as a roadmap for asking the right questions and making better business decisions.

A Practical Guide for All Business Types

Over the years, I’ve been involved in various industries—from internet companies and eCommerce platforms to AI ventures and Fintech. While each industry has its own nuances, the core questions remain the same. This is why I’ve structured this series as a practical tool, applicable to most businesses regardless of size or industry.

That being said, not every question will be relevant to every startup or every situation. However, the framework of asking these types of questions can serve as an excellent starting point. Whether you're launching a tech startup, acquiring a retail brand, or selling your family business, the answers you uncover from these questions will be instrumental in shaping your decisions.

Closing Thoughts: Preparation is Key

Preparation is everything in startups. Whether you’re at the starting line or nearing the finish line, you need to be prepared to make informed decisions. I hope this series will give you the clarity, structure, and insight you need to approach your next venture with confidence.

Stay tuned for the next article, where we will discuss the key questions you should ask yourself before starting a business. Remember, the answers to these questions could mean the difference between success and failure.