BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  P&L  >  9 Things That Kill Your Startup in Year 1

9 Things That Kill Your Startup in Year 1

Neil Cheong, Co-Founder, GUIDE, | Alvin Chin, Co-Founder, GUIDE

02-Dec-24 11:00

9 Things That Kill Your Startup in Year 1

The first year is often the most perilous for startups. From poor unit economics and co-founder challenges to struggles with product-market fit and resource management, countless hurdles can derail even the most promising ventures.

In this episode of P&L, Neil Cheong and Alvin Chin, Co-Founders of GUIDE, dive into the top 9 reasons startups fail in their first year. They share actionable insights to help entrepreneurs identify red flags, align co-founders, and optimise their resources.

Special Offer for BFM P&L Listeners!

Join the waitlist for the eLearning version of the GUIDE Founders Program, launching January 31, 2025, and get access to 30+ lessons and a comprehensive wiki on practical venture topics like developing a moat, creating an MVP, scaling enterprise value, and more!

Be among the first 150 to join the waitlist and enjoy 30% off using code BFMPNL. Learn more and sign up now at www.guide.works/founders-program.

In meantime, here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Unit Economics: Why understanding and optimizing your business model is vital for survival.

- Co-Founder Dynamics: How to navigate relationship challenges and build a strong founding team.

- Product-Market Fit: Identifying alignment between your offering and customer needs.

- People Management: The importance of hiring effectively and navigating the difficult process of letting go of underperforming team members.

- Resource Allocation: Avoiding inefficiency in cash and time management.

- Go-to-Market Strategy: Common mistakes in execution and how to refine your approach.

- Clarity on Problem and Customer: Why a clear value proposition and knowing your ideal customer are critical.

- Lack of Personal Runway: Preparing financially to endure startup challenges without burning out.

- Speed and Decisiveness: Building a culture of quick and effective decision-making to maintain momentum.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketsmanagingentrepreneurspersonal development

Tags:  resource managementstartupsproduct-market fitstartup schoolStartup SentralStartup Central





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Prof. Amin Saikal of The Australian National University discusses whether diplomacy is still on the table as US-Iran tensions escalate.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

: Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, discusses the New Incentive Framework and influencer tax.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Nizam Abdul Razak, Founder & CEO of Monsta Studios Sdn Bhd discusses Papa Zola The Movie’s RM60 million success and the making of a Malaysian animation powerhouse.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Professor Datin Paduka Dr Fatimah Mohamed Arshad, Food Security Chair, UPM talks about the National Food Security Policy 2030 and proposed National Food Security Act.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

People, Planet, Profit

We cover the latest news and views in the ESG space to help businesses thrive with impact.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

In an F&B landscape often defined by rapid burnout and aggressive discounting, Arieni Ritzal has taken a different path. Since her last visit to the studio, Gula Cakery has evolved from a boutique success into a disciplined enterprise with 19 outlets and a projected RM20 million in sales for 2025.

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

René Menezes, Leader, Kult

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Running a business built on local craft and grit is a cornerstone of Malaysian culture. But as the nation prepares for the massive influx of Visit Malaysia 2026, "passion" alone may no longer be enough to scale. While MSMEs represent 97% of all registered businesses and contribute 38% of the national GDP, many remain tethered to a cash-heavy past that limits their growth. In this episode of Open For Business, We sit down with Previn Pillay, Country Manager of Visa Malaysia, to discuss the invisible infrastructure required to move a business from a simple roadside transaction to a total digital transformation.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Nizam Abdul Razak, Founder & CEO of Monsta Studios Sdn Bhd discusses Papa Zola The Movie’s RM60 million success and the making of a Malaysian animation powerhouse.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

Dr Priya Sharma shares insights on the gap between what business students are taught and how businesses operate on the ground, with regard to labour.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Long after surgery to remove a torn meniscus, people may be left with knee pain and arthritis. We look at other treatment options to avoid this.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday