The Founder’s Journey: Building What You Need vs. What You Think Others Need

The Founder’s Journey: Building What You Need vs. What You Think Others Need

Starting a company is one of the most exhilarating, challenging, and transformative journeys a person can embark on. Founders often begin with a spark of inspiration, a vision of a product or service that could change the world—or at least a small corner of it. But here’s the catch: many founders build products they think others will need, rather than solving a problem they themselves deeply understand. And this distinction can make or break a startup.

The Temptation to Build for Others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of building for others. You spot a market trend, hear about a problem secondhand, or see an opportunity in a space you’re not personally connected to. You think, “If I can just create the perfect solution, people will flock to it.” But here’s the harsh reality: building a product for a problem you don’t personally experience often leads to misaligned priorities, a lack of empathy for the end user, and ultimately, a product that doesn’t resonate.

In fact, research shows that 42% of startups fail because there’s no market need for their product (CB Insights, 2023). This is often the result of founders misjudging the problem they’re trying to solve or overestimating the demand for their solution. When you’re not solving a problem you’ve experienced firsthand, it’s much harder to validate the need, iterate effectively, and connect with your audience.

The Power of Solving Personal Problems

On the flip side, some of the most successful startups in history were born out of founders solving their own problems. Think of Airbnb, which started when its founders couldn’t afford rent and decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment. Or Slack, which was created as an internal communication tool for a gaming company. These founders didn’t just think there was a need—they knew it, because they lived it.

When you solve a personal problem, you bring a unique level of insight, passion, and authenticity to the table. You understand the pain points intimately, and you’re more likely to build a product that truly addresses them. This connection often translates into a stronger product-market fit and a higher chance of success.

The Stats: Personal Problem vs. Market Opportunity

While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for startup success, the data suggests that solving a personal problem gives founders a significant edge. According to a study by First Round Capital, startups founded by individuals solving problems they’ve personally experienced are 1.5x more likely to succeed than those chasing market opportunities they don’t fully understand.

Why? Because when you’re solving a personal problem:

• You’re your own first customer, which allows for rapid iteration and testing.
• You have a built-in understanding of the target audience.
• You’re more likely to stay motivated and resilient, even when the going gets tough.

The Balancing Act: Personal Passion Meets Market Validation

Of course, solving a personal problem doesn’t guarantee success. It’s still essential to validate your idea with others, ensure there’s a sizable market, and adapt your solution to meet broader needs. But starting with a problem you deeply care about gives you a foundation of authenticity and insight that’s hard to replicate.

If you’re a founder—or aspiring to be one—ask yourself: Am I building something I need, or something I think others need? If it’s the latter, take a step back. Talk to potential customers, immerse yourself in their world, and make sure you truly understand the problem you’re trying to solve. And if it’s the former, lean into your experience, trust your instincts, and let your personal connection to the problem guide you.

Final Thoughts

The founder’s journey is never easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether you’re solving a problem you’ve lived or chasing a market opportunity, remember that the best products come from a place of empathy, authenticity, and relentless focus on the user. So, as you build, keep asking yourself: Am I solving a problem that truly matters? Because when you do, you’re not just building a product—you’re building a solution that has the power to change lives.

What’s your take on this? Are you solving a problem you’ve experienced firsthand, or are you building for others?