Seasoned Entrepreneur Highlights Rigors of Hardware Business, Urges Apprenticeship Over Hasty Ventures

A recent social media post by entrepreneur "sphinx" has ignited discussions on the inherent challenges of building hardware businesses, contrasting them sharply with software ventures. The tweet, which quickly gained traction, advocates for extensive practical experience under seasoned professionals like Saurabh Chandra, CEO of Ati Motors, before aspiring entrepreneurs launch their own hardware companies.

"very few people are actually building real hardware businesses. most are hobbyists trying their luck. i keep telling kids to stop solving for ego and spend 5–6 years working under people like @saurabhchandra to actually learn how to build a tech-hardware business."

The post underscores that many rush into hardware-tech ventures due to perceived coolness, often learning little and failing to gain credibility. This sentiment resonates with the widely acknowledged difficulties in the hardware sector. Unlike software, which allows for rapid iteration and lower upfront costs, hardware development is characterized by significant capital expenditure, complex supply chain management, and lengthy development cycles. Prototypes require substantial investment in materials, tooling, and manufacturing, with each iteration being costly and time-consuming.

Saurabh Chandra, a prominent figure in the robotics industry and founder of Ati Motors, exemplifies the dedication required. His company, established in 2017, specializes in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for factory material movement, a field demanding deep integration of hardware and software. Ati Motors has successfully deployed robots in over 70 factories globally, demonstrating the potential but also the arduous path of physical product development. Chandra himself has previously stated that "Hardware is really hard," emphasizing the need to control the entire tech stack and the difficulty of relying solely on software development in this domain.

Industry experts consistently point to high initial investment, complex manufacturing processes, and the need for diverse engineering expertise (mechanical, electrical, firmware) as major hurdles. Furthermore, hardware startups face challenges in securing funding, as investors often prefer the faster scalability and lower risk profile of software companies. The "fail fast" mantra common in software does not translate well to hardware, where mistakes are expensive and timelines are extended. The tweet's advice to seek mentorship and practical experience directly addresses these systemic challenges, suggesting that a foundational understanding gained through apprenticeship is crucial for navigating the demanding landscape of hardware entrepreneurship.