In the grand world of startups and venture capitalism, there’s a term that’s thrown around with the same casualness as confetti at a New Year’s party: Moats. Ah, the revered moat! The watery ring that once protected castles from marauding invaders. Today, it’s the metaphorical barrier businesses build to keep competitors at bay. But here’s the kicker: some folks believe you need to dig this moat on Day 0 of your startup journey. And to that, I would say, “Why not throw in a dragon and a drawbridge while you’re at it?”

I believe Moats are established over time. From investing in stock markets and working at some of the leading B2C companies in the country, I get to have some opinions. :3

But, oh, the early-stage investors! With their crystal balls and their prophetic visions, they expect founders to pinpoint their moat from the get-go. It’s an expectation so absurd, it’s almost comedic. Almost.

Consider Amazon. Today, it boasts a robust moat of selection, pricing, and delivery. But on Day 0, if it was so evident, why didn’t everyone jump on the Bezos bandwagon? Because on Day 0, the real moat is the grit and grind. It’s the founder’s ability to take a hit and bounce back, the tenacity to try myriad strategies, and the sheer willpower to push forward when the going gets tough.

Having a moat on day 0 is like expecting a toddler to run a marathon. Sure, they might have the potential, but let them learn to walk first! When a company is in its infancy, it’s all about experimentation and solving user problems. And guess what? Solving those problems effectively is the real moat.

Now, imagine this: You’re building a castle (your business). But instead of laying the foundation, erecting walls, or even deciding on the number of towers, you start by digging a moat. Not only are you putting the cart before the horse, but you’re also taking on a colossal risk. What if the castle never gets built? You’re left with a fancy ditch and a lot of wasted effort.

In the end, moats aren’t Day 0 essentials. To know that a problem is worth solving and I can solve it effectively in the long term is something I would consider my moat. If I start with one, I am setting myself up for bloat and unnecessary complications. Focussing on building my empire first. The moat can wait. After all, what’s the point of a protective barrier if there’s nothing worth protecting?

A note to self: Build your castle. Make it grand, make it unique. And when the time is right, dig that moat. Just remember, moats without castles are just… well, ditches.

General Business entrepreneur founder moat moats starting up startup