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Investor highlights the rising need for better founder education and realistic expectations in a shifting global economy
New York, US, 22nd January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Venture capitalist and hedge fund operator David Crownborn is calling for greater awareness around the pressures facing new entrepreneurs and the growing need for realistic guidance in early stage business building. Drawing from his own experiences across London, New York, and global markets, Crownborn is advocating for a more grounded understanding of success that focuses on learning, timing, and mental clarity.
In recent comments, Crownborn noted that many founders carry misconceptions about what success looks like in the early years. “Most success comes from small steps that grow over time. It is not about one moment. It is about careful progress and patience,” he said. His message comes at a critical time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20 percent of new businesses fail within the first year, and nearly 50 percent fail within five years. Crownborn believes education and mindset play a major role in these numbers.
He pointed to his own early ventures in London as an example. “I ordered too much inventory and had no idea how to market it. I learned fast that success is built on steady learning and not on perfect execution,” he shared. His message encourages founders to embrace curiosity as a tool for long term growth. Research from Harvard Business Review supports this idea. Companies that score high in curiosity-driven culture show better decision making and stronger innovation.
Crownborn also stressed the importance of timing, something he learned from a failed early investment. “We pushed a product before the market was ready. The idea was strong, but the timing was wrong. That experience taught me to respect market conditions,” he explained. Studies from CB Insights show that 35 percent of startups fail because there is no market need, making timing one of the most critical factors for survival.
Beyond strategy, Crownborn wants founders to understand the role of personal balance. “Travel and music keep me centered. When I am grounded, I make better decisions. Entrepreneurs need to build habits that protect their clarity,” he said. Mental health concerns are rising across the startup world. Data from Startup Snapshot shows that 72 percent of founders report struggles with mental health. Crownborn believes that grounding practices help leaders stay focused and avoid burnout.
What People Can Do Today
Crownborn is urging entrepreneurs, students, and early career builders to take simple steps to strengthen their path forward:
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Study the timing of your market. Look at real demand, not just interest.
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Break goals into smaller tasks. Crownborn credits this method with helping him stay calm during high pressure stages of his early career.
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Ask tough questions about your idea. “Good ideas stand up even after you question them from every angle,” he said.
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Build your own form of balance. Whether it is music, travel, or quiet time, Crownborn says clarity improves decision making.
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Stay curious. “Curiosity is the strongest guide you have. It shows you what matters,” he said.
About David Crownborn
David Crownborn is a venture capitalist, hedge fund operator, and entrepreneur working across New York, Atlanta, Miami, London, and Sydney. Born in London, he began building businesses early in life and now focuses on long term investing, founder guidance, and market strategy. His work centers on helping ideas grow through patience, analysis, and clear thought.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Citizen Wave journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.