Tech startup life doesn’t have to be lonely

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This week we’re quoting…

Rebecka Zavaleta (Founder of Paismo) 

What Zavaleta said: 

“In attending just two LEAP events, I’ve learned so much. It’s a one-stop solution to meeting incredible founders, partners, investors, and customers all under one roof. Everyone is incredibly friendly and focused on growth.”

Startup life can be lonely 

Building a tech business is a wild ride. Exhilarating for sure, but often lonely too; because behind the pitch decks and product launches you have to move through doubt, isolation, and the quiet pressure of carrying a vision that no one else fully sees (or not yet, anyway). 

As a founder, you wear every hat. You make every decision, and you hold every risk on your shoulders. It’s a long path to walk, and the reality is that the rest of the world doesn’t really notice what you’re doing until after you’ve established yourself for success. 

But we’re not trying to make you sad (we promise). Because all of this is easier if you find connection along the way.

Community really matters 

Everyone talks about the power of mentorship and investment for startups, but here we want to focus on community. Because if you’re surrounded by peers who know what you’re going through and face challenges by your side, you’re a lot more likely to keep going when startup life gets tough. 

The right support drives growth 

When we interviewed Kambis Kohansal Vajargah (Head of Startup-Services and Deputy Head of Founder‑Services at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber), he distilled his experience into three key things that startups need to thrive, and one of them was this:

“...a supportive community that encourages collaboration and networking can significantly enhance a startup's potential.” 

Investment isn’t the only thing that drives growth. Connecting with peers and sharing challenges and solutions together can help you steel yourself for scaling, and swerve critical errors (because you’re learning from each other’s mistakes as well as your own). 

And makes the journey to success a lot more fun 

Zavaleta was one of the 12 finalists pitching in the grand finale of the Rocket Fuel Competition at LEAP 2025. And it was a turning point for her – she shared how powerful it was to meet the people shaping the region’s fintech and startup ecosystem. 

Building a company often means late nights, quiet grind, and the weight of decisions made alone; but at LEAP, she found community. 

Connection is fuel for entrepreneurship. So give yourself permission to step away from the pressure and reach out to other founders. Build relationships and be reminded that although the path can feel lonely, it’s actually very well travelled – and stepping out of your lane to meet other founders is never a waste of time. 

Pre-register now to apply for the Startup and Scale Programme at LEAP 2026. Meet investors, mentors, and other founders – and create a community to carry your startup towards success.

Have an idea for a topic you'd like us to cover? We're eager to hear it. Drop us a message and share your thoughts.

Catch you next week,
The LEAP Team