# How to start a startup: A clear path for founders Author: The Carta Team \| Read time: 23 minutes Published date: January 5, 2026 Learn the foundational steps to start your startup, from finding a problem and building a team to setting up your legal structure and raising your first funds. Contents: Frequently asked questions about starting a startup ## How to find and validate your startup idea A successful startup begins by solving a real problem that people are willing to pay to fix, not just by having a product idea—in fact, having no market need is the top reason startups fail, [accounting for 42% of collapses](https://ff.co/startup-statistics-guide/). The best ideas often come from a pain point you are passionate about and uniquely positioned to solve. Think about a challenge you've faced in your own life or work that doesn't have a good solution. This personal connection can fuel your determination through the ups and downs of the startup journey. The goal is to find a pain point that a specific group of people experiences, as this forms the foundation for everything that follows. Many aspiring founders think they need a world-changing idea before they can start. In reality, the best startups often come from a deep understanding of a specific, frustrating problem. This focus helps you identify your first potential customers and gives you a clear direction for what you need to build, which will inform the [early startup metrics you track](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/metrics/). ### Customer discovery: How to know if you have a good idea Once you've identified a problem, you need to validate that other people feel the same way. This process, known as customer discovery, is a critical activity for early-stage founders and involves talking to potential users about their experiences. These conversations are not sales pitches; they are opportunities to listen and learn. Your goal is to confirm that the problem is significant enough that people would pay for a solution, and you can ground your research in real data using resources like the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) [state-by-state snapshots](https://advocacy.sba.gov/2024/11/19/2024-small-business-profiles-for-the-states-territories-and-nation/) of small business activity. As Heather Hartnett, CEO at Human Ventures, explains during Carta’s [Startup Fundraising 101 webinar](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/events/fundraising-101-fundraising-strategy/): "You should talk to at least 100 customers to see if you have any insight. If you're a founder, you should know that problem inside and out and what customer is going to want to use it." This feedback is invaluable and will guide your product development strategy. ### Conduct market research Market research is how you validate that your idea is more than just a personal frustration. It’s the process of talking to potential customers to confirm that the problem you see is one that others experience and want solved. This early feedback is invaluable and helps you avoid building something nobody wants. It’s your first reality check. To conduct effective market research, you can follow a few simple steps. The goal is to listen more than you talk and to understand the customer's world deeply. - **Identify your target customer**: Start with a specific group of people who you believe experience the problem most acutely. Being specific here is better than being broad. - **Prepare open-ended questions**: Your goal is to learn about their problems, not to pitch your idea. Ask questions that encourage them to share their frustrations and current workarounds, such as "What's the hardest part about managing your inventory?" or "When’s the last time you tried to solve this problem?" - **Listen for patterns**: Pay close attention to recurring themes and pain points in your conversations. If multiple people independently bring up the same frustration, you're likely onto a real, widespread problem. - **Look for buyer intent**: Early signals that people are actively looking for a solution or are very unhappy with existing options suggest a strong market need. When someone says, "If you built that, I would pay for it tomorrow," you're getting a strong signal. ## What to include in your business plan Think of your business plan less as a formal document and more as a storytelling tool. It can help you organize your thoughts and clearly communicate your vision to potential co-founders, early hires, and future investors. Your business plan should be a living document that evolves as you learn. In a tough market where hard pivots are happening everywhere, this flexibility is a survival skill. It serves as your strategic guide during the early stages of your company, helping you stay focused on what matters most. It’s a roadmap that you can adjust as you gather more information. Here are the key sections to include. Each section should be concise and clear, getting straight to the point. - **The problem**: Clearly define the pain point your startup is solving. Explain why it's a significant problem for your target customers and what makes the current situation unacceptable. - **Your product**: Describe your product or service. Detail how it directly addresses the problem you've identified in a unique or superior way. - **Target market**: Identify exactly who your customers are. Research the [market size](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/metrics/market-size/) to show the potential scale of your business and the opportunity for growth. - **The competition**: Acknowledge your competitors and explain what makes your approach different or better. In an opportunistic, but crowded field where [nearly half of all late-stage capital raised in 2024 went to AI companies](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/data/ai-fundraising-trends-2024/), differentiation is a key component of any [investor pitch deck](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/fundraising/pitch-deck/). - **Your team**: Highlight the experience and skills of your founding team. Especially in the early stages, investors often bet on people as much as they do on an idea. As serial entrepreneur Tim Eades notes, when raising a seed round, some investors were willing to commit capital based on their [belief in the team](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/data/vc-step-up-multiple-q2-2024/) even without an ironclad proof of concept. Use your business plan to explain why you are the right person to tackle this specific problem, detailing the unique expertise, past successes, and industry relationships you bring to the table. - **Marketing strategy**: Outline how you’ll reach your target customers and drive adoption. Highlight the main channels you’ll use (such as content marketing, search engine optimization, social media, partnerships, or events) and why they fit your target audience. Briefly explain your messaging approach and how your tactics support scalable, cost-effective growth. - **Financial projections**: Provide a high-level forecast of your expected revenue and expenses as part of your startup's [financial reporting](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/financial-reporting/). This doesn't need to be perfect, but it should be thoughtful and based on reasonable assumptions about your market and business model. ## Who should be on your founding team? Starting a company is a difficult and often lonely journey. [Surrounding yourself with a team](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/founding-team/) of experts you trust to help you grow your budding business is critical, including co-founders, lawyers, and advisors. ### Co-founders Having a [co-founder](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/founding-team/co-founder/) means sharing responsibility, so you’re not totally on your own. Choose a partner who has complementary skills or knowledge to your own. Most importantly, find someone who will share your vision for the company. A co-founder can provide much-needed moral support and bring a diverse set of skills to the table, which can be key for handling the challenges of building a business. The data supports this: While solo founders led 35% of all new companies incorporated in 2024, they were [less successful in raising](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/data/founder-ownership/) venture capital, accounting for just 17% of companies that secured a VC round that year. When choosing co-founders, look for people you trust, respect, and can communicate with openly, especially under pressure. Think about past colleagues, classmates, or friends who have demonstrated resilience and a strong work ethic. The early days of a startup are intense, and since small businesses collectively [employ 45.9% of American workers](https://advocacy.sba.gov/2024/07/23/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-business-2024/), your founding team is the bedrock not just of your company's culture, but of its future impact. Keep in mind that you and your co-founder(s) will need to make some early decisions about how to split up ownership of the company. While this step might not seem urgent when your company is little more than an idea, this decision will have important implications down the line, especially if your company achieves success. ## How to set up your company's legal foundation Setting up your business as a legal entity and registering it with a state is important. While colloquially called [incorporation](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/private-companies/incorporation/), formation is the official term. Incorporation is a non-negotiable step that makes your company a real entity in the eyes of the law, investors, and employees. It protects your personal assets and sets the stage to secure funding and hire employees. Don't skip this part or try to cut corners. Deciding [when to incorporate](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/private-companies/incorporation/when-to-incorporate/) and how to incorporate your business can have huge implications down the road. From understanding tax implications to properly setting yourself up for future investment and growth, there’s a lot riding on your choice. Getting your legal house in order from the beginning saves you from costly cleanup later. The basic steps are straightforward and set a professional tone for your new venture: - Know when to incorporate your startup, and file the necessary paperwork with your state. - Apply for a federal tax ID number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN). - Open a separate business bank account to keep your company's finances distinct from your personal ones. ### C corp vs. LLC: What's right for your startup? The choice you make between establishing a [C corp vs. an LLC](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/private-companies/c-corp-vs-llc/) is one that will affect how you're taxed and whether you can raise money from certain investors. For most high-growth tech startups, the C corporation (C corp) is the standard choice because it's the structure [venture capitalists (VCs)](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/private-funds/venture-capital/) are set up to invest in. This is backed by data: Among the tens of thousands of startups on Carta (the majority of which are VC-backed), [traditional corporations](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/data/equity-report-2022/) make up over 90% of the companies on the platform, while LLCs account for just eight percent. - **Corporations**: [Common types of corporations](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/private-companies/corporation/) include C corps and [S corporations (S corps)](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations), which have the same underlying legal entity type but are taxed differently. When you form an entity, you’ll have to pay fees to set it up, file a [Certificate of Incorporation](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/private-companies/incorporation/articles-of-incorporation/), comply with all regulatory and tax requirements, and file other various reports. - **Limited liability company (LLC)**: A [limited liability company (LLC)](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/private-companies/llc/) is a business structure that legally separates business assets from your personal assets. This structure protects business owners from being pursued personally for repayment of debt or liability associated with their businesses. Here’s a simple breakdown of the two: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Feature** | **C corporation (C corp)** | **Limited liability company (LLC)** | | **Best for** | Startups planning to raise money from venture capitalists or institutional investors. | Businesses that don't plan to seek funding, like service businesses or consultancies. | | **Ownership** | Owned by shareholders who hold stock. This is the standard for VCs. | Owned by members. The structure can be complex and less attractive to VCs. | | **Taxes** | The corporation is taxed on its profits, and shareholders are taxed on dividends. | Members report profits and losses on their personal tax returns using Form 1065. | ## Ownership and equity management Holding equity means you have an ownership stake in the business. A wide range of people and entities can own [equity in a company](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/equity/), including the company’s founders, investors, employees, advisors, and consultants. ### The cap table A [capitalization table](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/equity-management/cap-table/), or cap table, is the official record of who owns what in your company, making proper cap table management a high priority. It lists every person and entity with an ownership stake, from founders and investors to employees with equity granted through a [stock option plan](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/compensation/employee-equity/stock-option-plan/). It's the single source of truth for your company's equity. Many founders begin with a spreadsheet to manage their cap table. But as a company grows, what starts as a simple document can become messy and complicate crucial events. Starting with a clean, accurate cap table from day one is one of the smartest moves you can make. A disorganized cap table can raise red flags for investors, create major headaches during fundraising, and lead to unexpected [share dilution](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/equity-management/share-dilution/). ## How do you fund your startup? There are several startup funding sources to get the initial money you need, and it's encouraging to know that significant capital is available—in fiscal year 2024 alone, the SBA had a [$56 billion impact](https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/Capital%20Impact%20Report%202024_Final_1.pdf) on small businesses. ### Types of investors For a high-growth company, understanding the different types of investors is key, as raising money from angels and venture capitalists is the typical route. Common sources of startup financing include: - **Bootstrapping**: This refers to funding your business with your own savings. [Bootstrapping](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/fundraising/bootstrapping/) gives you complete control as a business owner but can limit your growth speed. - **Friends and family**: Raising small amounts of money from people in your personal network can be a quick way to get started, but be sure to treat it as a formal business transaction. - **Angel investors**: These are wealthy individuals, known as [angel investors](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/fundraising/investors/angel-investors/), who invest their own money in early-stage companies, often in exchange for equity. - **Venture capital**: These are institutional firms that invest other people’s money into high-growth startups with the potential for a large return. - **Accelerators and incubators**: [Accelerators](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/fundraising/investors/accelerators/) and incubators are programs that guide, mentor, and help fundraise for startups in exchange for an equity stake in the company. ## Exit strategies An [exit event](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/exit-strategies/) is most startup founders’ pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and is traditionally a celebratory occasion. Typically an IPO or M&A gives existing shareholders the chance to access liquidity and potentially realize on-paper gains by selling some or all of their shares. ### IPO An [initial public offering (IPO)](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/exit-strategies/ipo/) allows a company to raise capital in the public market by selling newly issued shares and allowing its existing shareholders to sell their shares. ### M&A [M&A](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/startups/exit-strategies/mergers-acquisitions/) stands for mergers and acquisitions and is used colloquially to describe transactions where one company (the buyer) purchases all or a portion of another company (the target). ### Frequently asked questions about starting a startup #### What is a startup? A startup is any new business in its early stages of operations and fundraising. Startups can be in any sector, including technology, healthcare, and agriculture. #### What is an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is an innovator who brings a new idea, skill, or product to market. Entrepreneurs start a new business by absorbing a high risk for the chance of a high reward. #### What free startup resources are available for entrepreneurs? Entrepreneurs can take advantage of several free resources, including mentorship, startup accelerators, and online resources. #### Can you start a startup with no experience? Lack of experience shouldn’t stop you from sharing your next great idea with the world. Many successful startup founders have little or no experience in their new chosen industry. #### How much money do you need to start a startup? There's no single answer, as costs vary widely depending on your industry and business model. #### How do I start a startup team with no money? Prior to fundraising, you can start your team by leveraging your network or offering [equity](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/equity/compensation/) in exchange for peoples’ time, money, or advice. #### What should I do if I have no idea how to start a startup? If you’re not sure where to start, you can access free articles and video lessons exclusively for founders in the [Carta Classroom](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/learn/). #### What is the best way to find a co-founder? To find a co-founder, leverage your personal and professional network, [attend local events for startup founders](https://fund-forecasting@carta.com/events/). #### Why is it so hard to start a business? Starting a business from scratch requires a high level of commitment from founders, as well as time and money. #### Is it true that most startups fail? While a lot of startups fail, it's difficult to pin down an exact percentage. #### When should I hire a startup lawyer? It's wise to engage a startup lawyer as soon as you decide to incorporate your company or bring on a co-founder. #### Can I start a startup while working a full-time job? Many founders begin building their companies on the side while maintaining a full-time job to cover their living expenses. #### What is the difference between a startup and a small business? While the popular view is that entrepreneurship comes in two sizes—a small business or a high-growth startup—the main difference truly lies in the ultimate goal.