Startup Anti-Patterns

Startup anti-patterns are common practices that initially seem effective but ultimately increase failure risk, as noted by Simeon Simeonov in 2013. Together with Itamar Novick, the authors compile a growing list of 100+ patterns—such as “Elephant hunting,” “Platform risk,” and “Death by pivot”—to illustrate how repeated mistakes can erode focus and execution. The series aims to analyze these patterns with real examples from founders and investors to help startups avoid costly pitfalls.