Tom Loverro, a General Partner at IVP, anticipates a “Great Reawakening” period for startups, seeing an opportunity amidst potential market downturn. Loverro asserts that it’s time for startups to innovate and adapt, thus outpacing their competitors in this dynamic market situation.
Leveraging this “Great Reawakening,” startups can establish new business partnerships, penetrate untapped markets, and drive growth even during volatile times. It’s a chance for businesses to rethink strategies and strengthen their market position, he says.
Earlier, Loverro eerily predicted a ‘mass extinction’ event for startups. 2023 data from PitchBook validated this prediction, reporting approximately 3,000 startup failures worldwide. These startups lacked effective strategies and fiscal prowess, pointing to the need for resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning.
Though economic recovery is happening gradually, Loverro encourages startup founders to proactively seize the environmental opportunities, rather than being overrun by defensive paranoia.
Seizing opportunity in startup market downturn
Even though full economic rebound is not yet realised, Loverro believes in the power of assertiveness and the potential opportunities present, instead of a cautious mindset hindering growth.
Loverro’s startup survival guide includes performance-based budgeting, accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence, allocating resources to thriving projects, and discontinuing unproductive pursuits. Comprehending clients’ needs, providing superior customer service, valuing proposition, assessing competitors and regular team training are also crucial.
Not fearing failure but viewing it as a leading step towards success, learning from the experience is pivotal for growth and improvement.
Eric Rea, CEO of Podium, supports Loverro’s approach, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the fear of failure, and judicious risk-taking. He also acknowledges the struggles that many businesses faced in the past year.
Mapping the narrative of venture capital, from the dotcom boom to extinction events, Loverro sees cyclical patterns in the industry. Despite AI’s high cost, he considers it an essential focus considering its inherent value. Loverro’s foresight could possibly be the turning point for startups to rejuvenate their operations and reshape the future path of the dynamic business environment.
