53 lessons I wish I knew before I started my first startup

I started Column Tax in early 2021 and sold it to Aiwyn1 in late 2025. Starting a startup was the hardest thing I've ever done. But knowing certain things makes it easier. Here's what I learned through experience that I wish I had known at the start: Growth, energy, & momentum are the only things that really matter Product<>Market Fit & growth are the only things that really matter: everything else will fall into place* if you have them. *though everything will still feel painful & hard in-the-moment no matter what. There's no substitute for energy in. Energy in is the most important input to progress. Anything you put energy into as a founder will go better. You have to show up with energy every day if you want your team to. It's relentless, but you're the person who is going to push the pace & energy. This week, not next week. Today, not tomorrow. Right now, not after this meeting. Momentum is everything. Work hard to build it and bring the energy. And losing it is really tough. Do…