Business isn’t just a marathon or a sprint; it’s a bit of both.
But there’s one key difference: unlike running or cycling, in markets with scale economies, data advantages, customer lock-ins or network effects, falling behind can mean never catching up.
A small speed advantage early on can compound into a massive lead over time.
Each new customer raises the barriers for competitors, especially in software-driven, winner-takes-all markets.
This is why software founders, in particular, must treat every day like they’re in a race.
Because they are.
Make quick decisions. Ship fast. Secure customers. Sell, sell, sell.
Get ahead or get left behind.