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The Dream Team

Hiring Is the № 1 Factor Driving Startup Victories

Marshall Hargrave
3 min readMay 27, 2024

Consider the four co-founders of a startup, which we’ll call Acme Widgets. They are engaged in a normal, spirited debate.

Chris is adamant they need to invest their remaining funds in Android development. “That’s where all the growth is,” he says.

Janelle and Sameer aren’t so convinced. “iOS users spend way more per download,” Janelle notes.

The arguments go back and forth until, Tara, the CEO, steps in to settle it. They would start on both platforms simultaneously by hiring two mobile developers, one for each operating system.

You need a group of A+ players who gel into a high-performing team greater than the sum of its parts…

Importance of the Right Team

“There is nothing more important for entrepreneurs than having an awesome team.”

Study after study pinpoints the team you build as a key factor separating startup success from failures.

What exactly goes into building an effective team?

“A Grade players hire A+ players. B Grade players hire C players. It’s that simple.”

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Marshall Hargrave
Marshall Hargrave

Written by Marshall Hargrave

Serial entrepreneur. Finance, startups, investing. Catalyst-focused, event-driven. Hip-hop vigilante. On the quest for the best hot chicken.

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