Entrepreneurship is rugby

I studied entrepreneurship in college because the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do is start a businesses. Some disruptions happen by accident, some are inevitable- but I wanted to reshape an industry with intention.

I’ll admit it was (and still is) a lofty goal, but with the rise of PayPal, Uber, Airbnb and the like- it didn’t seem impossible. Make no mistake- every professor I had and every advisor I spoke with talked ad nauseam about the high startup failure rate, how hard it is to get traction, and how little funding is available for first time founders. One thing that was never mentioned, however, was what I have since found to be the key to startup success.

Academia is a solo sport

I can’t speak for programs or universities other than mine- but it is generally held knowledge that one starts and finishes college alone. The majority of the work completed toward the “holy grail” that is the degree- is done alone. Yes, there are group projects and assignments but aside from a few outliers- these collaborative efforts are means to an end rather than a team building exercise.

Entrepreneurship is rugby

If you’ve never played rugby you can insert any team sport in as substitution. But, I chose ruby instead of say.. football.. because in football, if need be, the…