Blog, COLDSURF

Is a Startup a Group of Artists?

Introduction

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with some early-stage startup founders. The startups were mostly in their very early stages, and the reasons each founder started their venture were varied.
Though I don’t know all the specific reasons, the common theme seemed to be "I want to change the world through my passion." This shared sense of purpose gave me a feeling of kinship with all the startup founders, while also sensing the similar "anxieties" they were carrying.

Between Reality and Dreams

When an early-stage startup begins, the team starts with a mission. Everyone has their own dream. Somewhere between the existing laws of the world, they want to realize something they are passionate about and try to achieve what they desire. This possibility seems to be what led them to start their startups. "In that case, I need to bridge the gap between the reality I want to change and my dream."
The market is more challenging than expected. The current market, shaped by capitalism, moves more toward things with tangible substance rather than being driven by plans and dreams. Capital tends to flow toward areas that are already successful and attracting a lot of money, rather than toward an untapped market that has yet to materialize.
Therefore, it’s crucial to find your product’s position in the market, which is known as Product Market Fit (PMF).
In this sense, I feel that startup founders are somewhat like artists—turning their thoughts into tangible products and sharing them with the world, or challenging the impossible.

Are Startups a Group of Artists?.. Really?

I have seen artists growing their scale through music from a young age, and the process looks something like this:
  • They start locally, in their neighborhood.
  • They gain recognition from a niche audience in the local area, and the word of mouth (viral marketing) spreads.
  • Eventually, a niche audience develops across countries (thanks to the internet, this may happen earlier in the process now).
  • What started as a "pure passion" evolves into something that attracts capital and investment, turning into a product.
In conclusion:
  • People begin to recognize what I’ve created.
  • Capital follows, and it starts turning into a product.
At this point, two paths open up:
  • Will I compromise to some degree due to the influence of capital?
  • Or, will I choose my passion over capital, going down my own path, even if it means a bit of struggle?
The two bands I will use as examples, Radiohead and Muse, illustrate this divergence very well.

Radiohead

Thom Yorke of Radiohead found success in rock music, but ultimately said he grew tired of rock. Some fans might have wanted Radiohead to continue creating the same kind of alternative rock they were known for, but their later albums were far from that. They abandoned traditional rock structures, began experimenting with drum machines, and started making avant-garde music. Although their overall style changed, the band still maintained their original lineup and each member continued to play their respective instruments.
The initial alternative rock album, OK Computer:
Their departure from rock but still successful album, Kid A:

Muse

Muse was formed in Devon, and their first album is very "Radiohead-like." The album Showbiz can be described as a more powerful version of Radiohead. Their second album revealed their true potential with powerful guitar riffs and more emotional depth. The band, once called Radiohead imitators, eventually made a name for themselves with their unique sound, especially with the album Origin of Symmetry.
Their third album marked a shift toward music that appealed more to the mainstream, though their musical roots remained. Their later albums continued to focus more on creating beautiful, accessible melodies, though their powerful guitar riffs and emotive compositions remained intact.
The early, powerful, and original Origin of Symmetry:
A more mainstream-focused album, Absolution:
Both bands have left a lasting impact and are widely recognized musicians in the UK. Radiohead didn’t cling to success but continued to evolve their music. Muse, while not clinging to success, continued to make music that is more mainstream and appealing to a wider audience. Both paths, though different, are equally valid and should not be criticized simply for personal taste. Ultimately, they made their choices and proved them to be brilliant.
I think the same can be said for the tech world of startups. Once the product goes viral and gains recognition, the question becomes: Should we focus on mainstream appeal? Or should we take on the more "artistic" challenge of tackling the impossible?
Steve Jobs of Apple demonstrated the artistic side of chasing the impossible through his products. After Jobs left Apple, the company’s products became more mainstream, but lost some of the artistry.
Finding a product-market fit is a tough challenge, especially in today’s red ocean IT industry. However, if you survive and grow through this curve, opportunities open up. Choices become available. Power builds. Capital follows. And people gather around that capital.
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