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 : The 6AM Stretch: Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our...

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

Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, Chicago 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

We break down the day’s top news with expert insights.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

We break down the day’s top news with expert insights.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, discusses the government’s initiatives on gender equality, child protection reforms, and key political developments in Sarawak.

8:30 AM

The Breakfast Grille (EXTENDED)

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, discusses the government’s initiatives on gender equality, child protection reforms, and key political developments in Sarawak.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Amit Ranjan of the Institute of South Asian Studies discusses Nepal’s political future following the elections.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, Chicago 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

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Advanced diagnostics are often confined to centralised laboratories, making them technically impressive but difficult to access for many who need them. We speak with Zainiharyati Mohd Zain, Founder of Ablesen, a Malaysian deep-tech startup building sensor-based diagnostic platforms designed for use beyond traditional lab environments. Selected as a top startup in the 2025 PACE Bootcamp by ARTEM Ventures, Ablesen is currently moving from prototype to early commercialisation.

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation

1:00 PM

Breakfast Grille (REPEAT)

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, discusses the government’s initiatives on gender equality, child protection reforms, and key political developments in Sarawak.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

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

3:05 PM

Front Row

Two monumental works by Johannes Brahms take centre stage in an upcoming chamber music performance. We find out what’s in store from cellist Ivan Torres.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House

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

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector