Part 5/10:
The conversations at these events tend to follow an arc of despair, emphasizing the real, raw feelings involved. For example, Ace shares how his startup, Painless 1099—a smart bank account designed for independent contractors—faced insurmountable cash flow issues. Despite an innovative concept, the company ran out of money, downsized drastically, and ultimately shut down after nearly a year of struggle. Such candid admissions serve to normalize failure as part of the entrepreneurial journey rather than a hidden shame.