Founders

At Y Combinator, the 3 month program ends with a "Demo Day" where startups present what they've worked on to investors to raise a round.  Founders describe it as one of the most intense periods of work where they want to utilize "the most leveraged days of their lives" to the fullest.

It's a sharp contrast of atmosphere to 6 months after Demo Day where everything seems slow with a cloud of gloom that feels like it fills the room.  I was curious if its possible to reawaken the same energy that led up to Demo Day. 

Having being through a few "demo days", I think the biggest motivating factor is just not looking bad in public.  The pain of social embarrassment spurns a ridiculous dynamo of energy that keeps you up squeezing that last bit of juice.

The prospect of getting instant gratification for each marginal goodness is intoxicating compared to the mundanity that is months of no-man's land startup sloggery.

https://x.com/j_eth_id/status/1851543506252140964

Feeling the post-Demo Day slump is real. The drive to avoid public failure can be a powerful motivator. Instant gratification versus startup grind - a constant battle.