In today’s business landscape, startups are driving innovation across industries. From technology to healthcare, and education to finance, entrepreneurs are reshaping the world. Yet, when it comes to the design industry—a field synonymous with creativity and innovation—the number of startups founded by designers is surprisingly low. Platforms like Livspace, Pepperfry, and HomeLane, which revolve around design and interiors, could easily have been the brainchild of designers. However, this isn’t the case.
Why are designers missing from the startup scene? Let’s dive deeper into some of the key reasons.
1. Design Education: Limited Focus on Business Acumen
Design schools are excellent at fostering creativity and technical skills, but they often lack a focus on business, entrepreneurship, and strategy. The curriculum tends to center around aesthetics, form, functionality, and creativity—important elements for a successful designer—but fails to impart the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to launch and sustain a startup.
Business schools, on the other hand, focus heavily on strategy, market analysis, finance, and the art of scaling an idea into a sustainable business. Entrepreneurs often have business knowledge at the core of their experience, allowing them to identify opportunities in the market, manage risk, and navigate the complexities of funding, marketing, and scaling.
For designers to venture into the startup ecosystem, there needs to be a shift in design education to include entrepreneurial skill sets. If design students were taught business principles alongside design principles, they would likely be better equipped to translate their creative ideas into successful business ventures.
2. The Comfort of Established Roles
Many designers find themselves in roles where their creative work is the focus, and they have little desire to take on the additional responsibilities of running a business. Working within a company, whether it’s in-house or within a design firm, allows designers to focus on their craft while leaving the business aspects to someone else.
Startups, on the other hand, require founders to wear many hats, especially in the early stages. Founders are responsible for product development, marketing, funding, customer relations, and operations. This wide range of tasks may not appeal to designers who enjoy focusing on creativity and design solutions rather than operational logistics. For many, the comfort of established roles offers stability and allows them to concentrate on their strengths.
3. Risk Aversion
Launching a startup is inherently risky. Entrepreneurs must be willing to face the possibility of failure head-on. Many successful startups experience multiple pivots and failures before they find their footing. This level of risk tolerance may not align with the mindset of some designers, who often work in environments where client satisfaction is the primary goal. Failure in design is frequently equated with unmet client expectations, while in the startup world, failure is often viewed as a learning experience and a step toward success.
Designers might be more cautious when it comes to financial risk, scaling, and the uncertain trajectory of a startup. The volatility of the startup landscape could deter some from leaving more stable career paths in traditional design roles.
4. Lack of Networks and Mentorship in the Business World
The startup world thrives on networks and mentorship. Founders often benefit from knowing investors, mentors, and other entrepreneurs who can provide advice, make introductions, and help them navigate challenges. Designers, by contrast, are more likely to be part of creative communities, where the emphasis is on innovation, trends, and aesthetics rather than the ins and outs of building a business.
Without strong connections in the business world, it can be more difficult for designers to break into the startup space. Entrepreneurs rely heavily on networks for venture capital, partnerships, and scaling opportunities—connections that many designers simply don’t have.
5. A Different Type of Problem-Solving
Startups often focus on solving a market problem—finding a gap in the market and providing a solution that can be scaled to reach a large audience. Designers, however, are more accustomed to solving problems that relate to form, function, and user experience on a smaller scale. While both are types of problem-solving, the nature of the challenges and solutions differs greatly.
Entrepreneurs must think about how to solve a problem in a way that is financially viable, scalable, and appealing to a wide audience. Designers, on the other hand, tend to solve problems on a more individual or project-specific basis. The mindset required for each approach is different, and designers may not be as naturally inclined to think in terms of scalability and market fit.
6. Creative vs. Business Focus
Designers are creative by nature. Their focus is on innovation, aesthetics, and user experience. Business founders, on the other hand, are more concerned with market trends, profitability, scalability, and user acquisition. This difference in focus can create a disconnect when it comes to starting a business.
Many designers might feel that business decisions could compromise their creative vision, which may prevent them from stepping into entrepreneurial roles. Business success often involves a delicate balance between maintaining creative integrity and making the decisions necessary for growth and profitability. Navigating that balance is no small feat and can be a deterrent for designers who prioritize creative expression over business strategy.
7. The Perception of the Design Industry
The design industry, particularly in fields like interior design, graphic design, and industrial design, is often seen as project-based. Designers are typically hired for a specific task, whether it’s creating a brand identity or designing an office space. This project-based approach can limit the scope for scalable business ideas.
By contrast, industries like tech, healthcare, or finance are seen as more conducive to startup culture due to their potential for large-scale disruption and innovation. Designers may feel that their industry is less suited to the startup model, even though platforms like Livspace and Pepperfry have shown that design can indeed be a foundation for successful businesses.
8. The Importance of Collaboration
It’s important to acknowledge that many of the startups in the design space are successful precisely because they combine business and design expertise. Platforms like Livspace, Pepperfry, and HomeLane have thrived because they were founded by teams that include both business and design professionals. This kind of collaboration allows for a balance between creativity and business acumen, ensuring that the startup can scale while maintaining a strong design focus.
While individual designers may not always be the ones founding startups, their skills are crucial to the success of design-related businesses. For many, the best path may not be solo entrepreneurship but rather collaborating with others who have the necessary business expertise.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Business
The question of why designers aren’t leading more startups is complex and multifaceted. From the structure of design education to the risk-averse nature of many designers, there are several factors at play. However, there is immense potential for designers to break into the startup space, especially as the demand for design-driven products and experiences continues to grow.
By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the design community, providing opportunities for mentorship and networking, and encouraging collaboration between designers and business professionals, the gap between design and entrepreneurship can be bridged. The future may yet see more designers leading the next wave of successful startups.