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I’m the founder and CEO of Okteto, where we’re busy re-imagining the developer experience for cloud native applications.
Before Okteto, I built enterprise chat products at Atlassian, application lifecycle management tools at Elasticbox (now part of Centurylink) and cloud services at Microsoft Azure.
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Earlier today, I had the privilege of speaking with a group of young entrepreneurs through the 3percentclub , an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in tech by providing underrepresented talent with accessible education. My friend Maria Ashby , the founder of 3 Percent Club, invited me to join the session, and it was hosted by Jude Anumudu, the organization’s community lead. I said yes immediately, not just because Maria is a friend, but because I believe deeply in the power of communities and in giving back by sharing what we have learned along the way. The conversation was lively, full of great questions, and reminded me of the energy and curiosity that drives people to start companies. I wanted to share some of the key takeaways from our discussion, lessons I wish I had heard earlier in my journey.
One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to work at a startup for years before I can start my own?”The short answer is no. You do not need to wait until you have mastered sales, fundraising, or any other skill before starting. The truth is that no matter how much experience you have, there will always be something you have never done before. Every startup is unique, and you will face challenges you could not have prepared for in advance.The most important thing is to start. If you have an idea you cannot stop thinking about, a problem you are obsessed with solving, that is your signal. You will learn the rest along the way.
Startups are exciting, but they are also hard. Hard. There will be moments when things are not working, when customers say no, when funding is uncertain, and when you question whether you made the right choice. What will keep you going is not the technology or the hype, but your love for the problem you are solving. If you are deeply connected to the problem, if it is something you have experienced yourself or something you care about fixing for others, you will have the resilience to push through the tough days. Passion for the problem is the fuel that keeps you moving forward.
When I started Okteto, I did not know many founders. What made the difference for me was finding online and in-person communities where I could learn from others, get feedback, and find support. Communities like 3 Percent Club are invaluable because they connect you with people who understand your challenges, can share their own experiences, and can open doors you did not even know existed. And here is the thing. Most founders are willing to help. We have all been there. The key is to make it easy for people to help you. Be specific in your ask, and do not hesitate to reach out. You will be surprised how many people will say yes.
Maria and the team at 3 Percent Club are doing important work by creating a space where underrepresented talent can access education, mentorship, and a network of peers and supporters. I believe the more diverse our founder community is, the more innovative and impactful our solutions will be. That is why I was honored to speak with their members and encourage anyone reading this to learn more about their mission and get involved, whether as a participant, mentor, or supporter.
Do not wait for the perfect moment if you have been thinking about starting something. There is no such thing. Start small, focus on a problem you love, and surround yourself with a community that will help you grow. And if you are looking for that community, the 3percentclub is a great place to start.