TLDR:
- There are two mindsets to building unicorns: the VC Mindset and the Unicorn-Entrepreneur (UE) Mindset.
- 94% of billion-dollar entrepreneurs adopted the UE Mindset, which focuses on capital efficiency and control of VCs by the entrepreneur.
In the article “VC Vs. Unicorn Entrepreneur: #1 Mindset To Start & Lead Unicorns,” Dileep Rao explores the differences between the VC Mindset and the Unicorn-Entrepreneur (UE) Mindset when it comes to building billion-dollar companies. The VC Mindset revolves around the belief that entrepreneurs need VC to start, launch, and build their ventures, often resulting in VCs replacing founders with professional CEOs. On the other hand, the UE Mindset emphasizes capital efficiency and control by the entrepreneur, with 94% of billion-dollar entrepreneurs using this approach.
The UE Mindset delays seeking VC until after achieving Leadership Aha and aims to ensure the entrepreneur stays as CEO and retains control over the financiers or avoids VC altogether. Entrepreneurs who adopt the UE Mindset, such as Sam Walton, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos, prioritize skills that benefit everyone and retain control of their ventures to minimize dilution and maximize wealth creation. The article highlights the importance of retaining control and cutting dilution, as well as the benefits of skills that can be taught to all entrepreneurs regardless of their location or industry.
Rao’s take on the subject emphasizes that getting VC funding is not a measure of success; rather, becoming wealthy is the ultimate goal for entrepreneurs. The article argues that the VC Mindset can be akin to playing the lottery, with only a few winners, while the UE Mindset allows entrepreneurs to maintain control over their ventures and wealth creation, reducing the risks associated with VC funding. By adopting the UE Mindset, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success and retain autonomy over their businesses.
