Let’s Get Entrepreneurial | Entrepreneurship Tips & Startup Stories for Founders

Let’s Get Entrepreneurial | Entrepreneurship Tips & Startup Stories for Founders


Is First Mover Advantage Really Worth It for Startup Founders?   

October 07, 2025

Is first mover advantage a golden ticket … or the fastest way to burn cash and die?We expose the first mover advantage myth with hard data + the graveyard of pioneers (MySpace, Friendster, Palm Pilot, Webvan) who got crushed by better-executed followers like Facebook, Google, and Apple. Most startups that scream “we’re first!” become cautionary tales. Discover why being the fast follower is usually 10× smarter, the only 4 real sustainable advantages that actually matter, and the 5-question test to know if YOU should ever try to be first. If you’re a founder or investor tired of the “first mover” fairy tale, this episode will save you millions. Key moments included:• The cold open that debunks the myth in 60 seconds• What “first mover advantage” actually means• The 30-year study: First movers get crushed • The first-mover graveyard: MySpace, Friendster, Palm Pilot• The rare winners (Amazon, eBay, Netflix) – and why they’re exceptions• Why fast followers win 90% of the time (Google, Facebook, iPhone examples)• The only 4 advantages that actually last• Should YOU try to be first?• Final verdict + your homework assignment Hosted by Professor Gary Palin, entrepreneurship educator, angel investor, and one of the Top 25 Global Entrepreneurship Education Thought Leaders and Ryan Budden, a serial entrepreneur and startup consultant. This episode blends startup experience with actionable advice for every entrepreneur mindset. If you’re searching for a entrepreneur podcast that delivers startup mentorship, entrepreneurship tips, and proven strategies to help you launch a startup and lead it with confidence, subscribe to Let’s Get Entrepreneurial. ???? BONUS: Unlock your Janus Entrepreneurial Score and see your personal entrepreneurship tendencies scores by taking the Janus Entrepreneurial Assessment We publish new episodes biweekly on Tuesdays. Title: Is First Mover Advantage Really Worth It for Startup Founders?    Other episodes with startup growth and founder insights: Entrepreneurship Tips for Startups and Existing Ventures to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes How to Deal with Decision Fatigue and Use Business Growth Strategies to Overcome Entrepreneurial Challenges Founder Insights: How to Discover Overlooked Market Goldmines in Niche Opportunities You can book a Virtual Coaching session to assist your entrepreneurial journey. Join our Let’s Get Entrepreneurial community and let’s embark on this adventure together!