Why did you start this company?

“Why did you start this company?”

“Why are you working on this idea?”

We investors love asking these questions. We’re assessing your passion for the idea. Starting a company is difficult, and we want to know that you are going to persevere when times get tough.

It’s not a simple question.

Usually, the reason you’re working on your startup is more confusing than a simple story. It’s a mix of consequences and coincidences. You should be aware of all the reasons that led you to you working on your idea.

Where did you notice the problem you’re solving? Why do you care about this problem so much? Why does it have to be you solving the problem? Why not just help guide someone else already working to solve it? How much are you risking to start a company? Who else might lose if this doesn’t go well? Why risk so much? Why not risk more? What’s your ultimate goal here?

Those are just some questions you should be able to answer.

“What’s the ‘Why?’”