In the financial market, a maxim is often repeated without much questioning: for every 10 startups invested in, in the long term, up to 9 end up closing down. This statistic, frequently cited as natural within the logic of risk and return, is treated as part of the game by investors who bet on the potential of a single company to compensate for the losses of the others.
However, for the entrepreneur who sees their startup fail, the reality is quite different. “Behind every number there is a person who invested time, money, and energy. When bankruptcy happens, the impact is not only financial, but also emotional and professional. We cannot accept that this is seen as normal,” says Alan Oliveira, an expert in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Oliveira warns that the normalization of failure in the ecosystem can be detrimental to talent development. “It’s frustrating for professionals to see their dreams crumble without support. This ‘anything goes’ environment discourages new ideas and can drive away potential entrepreneurs,” he adds.
For him, the discussion needs to evolve: instead of viewing bankruptcy merely as a statistical fact, it is necessary to strengthen support policies, entrepreneurial education, and support networks that truly help founders to recover and undertake more sustainable ventures.
Helping the ecosystem
Acting as a mentor and educator, Alan works precisely to ensure that entrepreneurs are not swallowed up by this logic. His work is structured around three fronts.
Strategic mentoring: assists founders in designing sales and growth processes, ensuring commercial predictability and reducing the risk of failure due to lack of structure.
Entrepreneurial education: offers training that combines concepts of neuroscience applied to sales, communication, and branding, preparing leaders to withstand market pressure.
Support network: connects entrepreneurs with contacts, investors, and strategic partners, transforming crises into turning points instead of the end of the line.
“Startup failures can't just be a statistic. My role is precisely to help these founders who are at their limit, offering business strategy, networking, and education. Many fail not because the idea was bad, but because they lacked process, predictability, or support. If we can structure this, we give the ecosystem fewer unnecessary failures and more people capable of rebuilding and creating again,” concludes Oliveira.
