StartUp School - The Types of Businesses, You as Startup Founders Should Avoid
- ArborESG Tech Research
- Sep 7, 2024
- 17 min read

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Abstract
Starting a business can be both exciting and daunting, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. While the startup ecosystem is ripe with opportunities for innovation, not every business idea is viable for a startup. This paper explores the types of businesses that startup founders should avoid due to high failure rates, significant regulatory burdens, and unfavorable market dynamics. It provides an in-depth analysis of various sectors and business models that present substantial challenges and risks, and offers real-world case studies to illustrate the pitfalls. By understanding these risks, founders can make more informed decisions and increase their chances of long-term success.
Introduction
The rise of entrepreneurship has opened doors for innovation and disruption across countless industries. However, not all ideas translate into successful businesses, especially for early-stage startups. A significant percentage of startups fail, with over 90% not making it past the first few years. Often, this failure is due to entering industries that are highly capital-intensive, excessively regulated, or saturated with competition. Even seemingly great ideas can struggle if the industry dynamics are unfavorable for new entrants.
This paper aims to highlight the types of businesses that startup founders should avoid, focusing on industries that present insurmountable challenges for early-stage companies. It analyzes business models that are difficult to scale, require large amounts of capital, or face significant regulatory hurdles. By examining these pitfalls, we can help startup founders steer clear of common traps and focus their efforts on more sustainable opportunities.
1. Highly Regulated Industries
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