In recent years, the term “startup” has become a potent symbol of ambition, creativity, and innovation in the business world. Many people dream of building a pioneering company that could become the next “unicorn” like Gojek, Tokopedia, or Traveloka. Yet, behind all the euphoria, lies a harsh reality: most startups fail within the first few years.
Interestingly, a growing number of experienced entrepreneurs are precisely choosing not to build a startup. It’s not because they lack ideas or capability; rather, they are smart enough to understand the inherent risks, harsh realities, and the existence of other, more stable, and profitable opportunities. This article will discuss the reasons why the best entrepreneurs are not rushing to build a startup, and how they still achieve success without following this pervasive trend.
1. The Startup Myth vs. Reality on the Ground
Startups are often promoted as the fastest route to success. Stories like “two students built an app and became millionaires in three years” are highly seductive. However, the reality is that over 90% of startups fail, whether due to management errors, poor market fit, or simply running out of capital.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs are caught up in the myth that building a startup is synonymous with being a true innovator. In truth, innovation doesn’t always have to be realized in the form of a high-tech startup. Real entrepreneurs understand that business is about sustainability and long-term value, not just chasing the latest trend.
2. Smart Entrepreneurs Focus on Real Value, Not Hype
The best entrepreneurs know that true success comes from building a business that genuinely delivers value to customers. They aren’t obsessed with buzzwords like pivot, funding, or scaling.
Instead of hunting for investors, they hunt for loyal customers. Instead of creating presentations for venture capitalists, they create products the market actually needs.
They understand that a good business doesn’t have to go viral; it simply needs to generate consistent revenue. A real-world example is successful Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that focus on serving the local market with high quality, without needing the “startup” label to thrive.
3. The Financial Risk Not Everyone is Prepared to Face
Building a startup is not just about having an idea and spirit; it’s about capital, pressure, and massive risk. Smart entrepreneurs know that building a business from scratch with the startup model means being ready to lose money, time, and even personal life stability.
Many startup founders ultimately lose control of their company after receiving investor funding. Some are even ousted from the businesses they created.
The mature entrepreneur asks: “Do I want to spend five years chasing a valuation, or build a small business that generates real profit every month?”
4. Independence is More Valuable Than Funding
One of the main appeals of the startup world is funding or large capital injections from investors. However, the best entrepreneurs understand that every dollar received from an investor comes with a consequence: losing a piece of control over the business.
They prefer to be the sole owner of a profitable small business rather than holding a 10% share in a massive company that may not survive the next five years.
Independence allows them to make decisions without pressure from external shareholders. They can innovate according to their vision, not just chasing growth targets set by investors.
5. Focus on Stable and Proven Business Models
Many successful entrepreneurs choose to build conventional businesses with modern systems rather than diving into the uncertain world of startups.
For instance, businesses in the culinary sector, agribusiness, small manufacturing, or digital services are often more promising because they have real demand and a clear market.
The best entrepreneurs know that not all success must come from something “new.” Sometimes, simply improving old methods with small, efficient innovations yields far more stable and profitable results.
6. Learning from Famous Startup Failures
Several major startups have failed spectacularly despite receiving massive funding. Examples include WeWork, Theranos, and even local startups that shut down because they failed to achieve profitability.
Experienced entrepreneurs see a pattern in these cases: over-expansion too quickly, excessive dependence on investors, and neglecting the core business fundamentals of profit and cash flow.
They learn that rapid growth without a strong foundation is like building a house on sand. Therefore, they choose a more realistic approach—building a business slowly but surely, with a healthy financial foundation.
7. Technology is a Tool, Not the Goal
A common mistake among startup founders is viewing technology as the main objective. In reality, technology should be a tool to solve real problems.
The best entrepreneurs grasp this. They aren’t busy creating apps just because it’s the trend; instead, they use technology to accelerate business processes—whether through digital marketing, automation, or customer data analysis.
With this approach, their business might not be called a “startup,” but it is more efficient, more profitable, and more durable.
8. Building a Business that Supports Lifestyle
Not all entrepreneurs want to chase billion-dollar valuations. Many prefer a business that supports a balanced lifestyle, where they can enjoy time with family, be free from investor pressure, and still have a substantial income.
Businesses like niche online stores, consulting services, or home-based production are tangible examples. They can grow slowly, providing financial freedom without having to burn through investor money.
Entrepreneurs like this understand that success is not just about numbers, but also the quality of life they attain.
9. Startup is Not the Only Road to Innovation
Innovation does not have to come from the startup world. Many traditional businesses can innovate in their own ways. For example, farmers using digital farming systems, artisans marketing their products via social media, or restaurants implementing a cloud kitchen system.
The best entrepreneurs realize that innovation can happen anywhere—as long as they are willing to adapt to changing times. They don’t get stuck on the “startup” label to look modern.
10. Conclusion: Smart is Knowing When to Reject the Trend
Ultimately, being the best entrepreneur doesn’t mean you must build a startup. On the contrary, many great entrepreneurs choose a different path—a quieter, more realistic, and long-term profitable route.
They understand that the main goal of business is to create value, generate profit, and sustain itself, not just to chase funding or “unicorn” status.
So, if you are an aspiring entrepreneur, don’t feel inferior just because you don’t have a startup. You might actually be the smarter one—because you know that the best business is not the coolest, but the one that lasts.