How to Judge a Startup's Shot at Success

Thinking of going early-stage? It's certainly not a decision to be taken lightly. Working for a young, perhaps bootstrapped company, you need to be prepared to take on a significant amount of responsibility with minimum pay. When 92% of startups are reported to fail within three years, the numbers aren't exactly hopeful. So, what should you be looking at as you decide whether or not to accept that early-stage offer? According to Bill Gross, CEO and co-founder of Idealab (alongside Startup Institute instructor Tom Hughes) there are a few common elements of successful startups, but one factor that trumps them all.

Edit: This presentation was first delivered by Tom at Startup Institute Boston, just months before Bill presented for TED.

Related articles:

• Warning! 7 Things to Consider Before Working at a Startup
• Corporate or Startup: Where Should You Start Your Career?
• TEDTalk: How to Find Work You Love