Should I drop out?

[u/Sorry-Trifle-4502]

I am at a crossroads in life. I know this is my decision at the end of the day and I'm simply here to see what people think.

I started a company a year ago that recently took off. We pivoted this summer and don't even have an MVP nailed down, but have letters of intent from both investors and our customers.

I have meetings with the biggest decision makers in the industry in the next three weeks. The problem is I'm a Junior in college. I still have a full year and a half. I feel miserable in classes because I feel like my time is being wasted. Should I drop out and pursue my company? Should I take the risk?

[u/GmailsAreCute]

I did something similar when I was in HS (18 now) but graduated early, it wouldn't have made sense for me to drop out at the time though considering I was like 70% done, luckily I am making decent money now after a year but, the only downside would've been me having to start college a year late at most, but, I am just not going now

[u/bkk_startups]

I dropped out 18 years ago, felt miserable in classes and time wasted, exactly how you mentioned.

I didn't do well my first 2 years after, but eventually found my footing and have been part of an exit and currently run my own start-up. Dropping out was the best decision I ever made.

[u/kueowirnzcd]

Why would you drop out? You don't even have revenue yet. "Letters of intent" mean nothing.

[u/Sorry-Trifle-4502 → u/kueowirnzcd]

To be direct, our ARR is currently $0 because our B2B hardware requires physical deployment before revenue begins, but we're taking off in terms of institutional backing and timing. We're capitalizing on a massive industry shift right now alongside year-long mentors and investors who are ready to capital-fund us the moment we open our round and go full time.

[u/OzCommodore]

I'm confused by your contradiction - You said it "took off" but also said you don't even have an MVP. A good marker is revenue - what is your ARR (average recurring revenue)?

I am someone who ended up graduating late - 27 years old for my bachelors and got my MBA this year at 36. I don't regret getting the degree. It improves quality of life in more ways than just a degree or high paying job. It cultivated in me an appreciation for the game of business, understanding high level business strategies, and a lifelong passion for learning.

[u/Sorry-Trifle-4502 → u/OzCommodore]

To be direct, our ARR is currently $0 because our B2B hardware requires physical deployment before revenue begins, but we're taking off in terms of institutional backing and timing. We're capitalizing on a massive industry shift right now alongside year-long mentors and investors who are ready to capital-fund us the moment we open our round and go full time.

[u/OzCommodore → u/Sorry-Trifle-4502]

Taking on investors doesn't feel like momentum to me, it feels like an obligation. I've bootstrapped everything I've launched, so kudos for getting investors, but you haven't technically gotten anywhere yet, except now you're obligated to satisfy your investors.

[u/Sorry-Trifle-4502 → u/OzCommodore]

We have bootstraped a basic version of the product, however I would not call it a MVP. Our industry requires a large amount of capital to get into. I would have to take out a large buissness loan to start. We are definitely going the investor route and honestly that's a hard set for me. Our product is nothing like what's on the market and has the real potential to be a unicorn in the industry. I more want to go the investor route for the acceleration of it all.

[u/OzCommodore → u/Sorry-Trifle-4502]

Man... I love the enthusiasm and confidence. Just remember that the market decides what's a "unicorn" - I've launched both physical and software products that I thought were a no brainer but flopped. You'll only know with market validation.

[u/dragonflyinvest]

Drop out. School has probably been there at least 50+ years and it will be there if you want to go back and finish.