San Francisco, CA – Veteran founder and General Partner at Founders Inc., Hubert Thieblot, recently underscored the critical importance of genuine passion and mission for startup founders, asserting that short-term hype or financial motivation will not sustain a venture through its inevitable challenges. Thieblot, known for founding Curse, Inc., shared his insights via a social media post, advising aspiring entrepreneurs to build companies around causes they deeply care about. His statement highlights a prevailing sentiment among experienced investors and founders regarding the long-term viability of mission-driven enterprises.
Thieblot's perspective is rooted in his extensive experience within the tech and gaming industries. He founded Curse, Inc. in 2005, growing it into a major online gaming media property before its acquisition by Twitch. Currently, as a General Partner at Founders Inc., he focuses on investments in gaming, eSports, Web3, and crypto sectors, bringing a founder's lens to his investment decisions. His journey began from a personal passion for World of Warcraft, leading him to create a platform that addressed a genuine need within the gaming community.
In his recent tweet, Thieblot stated, > "Startup founders must work on something they genuinely give a shit about. It’s so obvious when someone only cares about money or is chasing the latest fad." He further cautioned that such motivations are insufficient to overcome the inherent difficulties of building a company, adding, > "You’ll quit the moment it gets hard, and trust me, it will." This direct advice stresses that resilience in entrepreneurship stems from a deeper commitment than fleeting trends or monetary gain.
Industry analysis often corroborates Thieblot's viewpoint, with studies indicating that founder tenacity and purpose are strong indicators of long-term success. While the desire for financial prosperity can be a motivator, sustained effort through setbacks typically requires a profound belief in the product or mission. Many successful founders report that their passion for solving a problem or fulfilling a vision is what keeps them engaged during the arduous journey of scaling a startup.
Thieblot concluded his message by asserting, > "Hype won’t carry you for a decade. Mission will." This serves as a direct challenge to founders who might prioritize quick wins or follow popular trends without a foundational purpose. His advice reinforces the idea that true innovation and enduring companies are built on authentic commitment, providing a valuable lesson for the evolving landscape of startup creation and investment.