Startup founders often carry immense pressure to succeed, but for many, the greater challenge is learning to recover and thrive after failure. Building a startup has always been a high-risk endeavor. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the five-year survival rate for small businesses has remained just over 50% since 1994, with the figure reaching 57.3% in 2018. For entrepreneurs like Ismael Dainehine, failure has been part of the journey.

Dainehine, a serial founder with more than a decade of experience, has launched multiple ventures — two of which failed before three others found success. His latest endeavor, EverGive, is a nonprofit that invests in Bitcoin to compound charitable donations. Reflecting on his early years, he recalled the sting of shutting down two companies within a short period, describing the experience as painful. “There’s nobody that could have put more pressure on me at that point than I put on myself,” he said, citing financial struggles and personal expectations as major stressors.

Despite the setbacks, Dainehine used the lessons from his failures to guide his next ventures, which generated millions in revenue before he exited them. Yet, even as those businesses grew, he admitted they eventually began to feel “soulless and hollow,” highlighting the emotional toll of chasing success. The journey, he noted, taught him resilience but also underscored the importance of building something meaningful.

Entrepreneurship is often marketed as an escape from corporate politics and bureaucracy, offering freedom and autonomy. However, the reality for many founders is far more grueling. The startup ecosystem, particularly in Silicon Valley, has long glorified hustle culture, with expectations of seven-day work weeks and constant sacrifice. In China, this ethos is mirrored by the notorious “996” model — working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.

For founders like Dainehine, bouncing back from failure is as much about personal growth as it is about financial recovery. His story reflects a broader truth in entrepreneurship: setbacks are inevitable, but resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to redefine success often determine who thrives in the long run.

Source: CNBC.