Beyond Rocketships: The Slingshot Model of Startup Success

Summary

The article critiques the dominant "rocketship" metaphor for startup success, arguing that many great startups follow a different trajectory - the "slingshot" model. These companies often start with slow, steady progress that builds momentum over time, eventually achieving significant success through gradual acceleration rather than explosive growth. The author suggests that non-obviously great startups may be overlooked because their early progress doesn't fit the dramatic rocketship narrative favored by VCs and media.