Founder of Adtech Startup Kevel Shares Their Top Insights
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
Any entrepreneur can tell you, launching a startup is a learning process. Therefore, one of the best things you can do prior to launching a startup of your own is to learn from those who have blazed the trail. James Avery, founder of adtech startup Kevel, shared valuable insights during our interview that will inspire and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to be constantly learning. There is so much knowledge out there – whether that is podcasts, blogs, or books. The people I know that are the most successful entrepreneurs are those who are constantly consuming information and then learning how to apply this information.”
What is the best method you've found to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur?
“The best way to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur is to take real breaks! I sometimes go hiking in the mountains where I have no connection to the outside world. Once you get over the initial panic of being disconnected from work, you can relax.
Also, embrace the periods that are slow. For example, if it is slow around the holidays, don’t use that time to cram in work on a bunch of other projects, but instead, embrace it and relax.”
What is your advice for coming up with a unique startup idea?
“The best advice I can give for coming up with a great startup idea is to become as much of an expert in something as you can. Sometimes people solve personal problems, or if they have lots of experience in a specific field, then they can recognize a gap in the market and do something useful to solve the problem. People who just set out with a plan to come up with an idea won’t solve a real problem, so that's when we see startups that ultimately do not work out.”
What is your advice for overcoming challenges and failure?
“A startup comes with many failures but also big wins, so it’s all about learning how to accept the highs and lows and find a middle ground for both of them. Don’t overreact in either direction. Just remain persistent, as that’s the main reason any startup succeeds. I continue to be an optimist, even through the biggest challenges. It’s all about moving forward, even if that’s just baby steps.”
What is the biggest lesson you learned and what can aspiring entrepreneurs take from it?
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is about persistence and patience. Early entrepreneurs need to know that it's not normal to have an idea, start a company, and be a huge success in the first few years. Normal startups become successful after five to ten years. It will be a long journey, and they need to be ready for it.”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“There was a time when we were working on raising money, and we got really close to one investment, and then the deal fell apart. One of our investors, who was a big CEO, said to me, ‘Well, that's the job.’ It made me realize that this job comes with many highs and lows, and it's just how you get through them that counts.”
Recommended:
- Check out Kevel’s company profile, startup origin story, and ways to support them!
- Hear startup stories from real founders on the Startup Savants podcast.
- Keep up with more startup companies by visiting our list of the top startups to watch.
- Form your own startup by reading our review of the best online incorporation services.
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