Thursday, June 25, 2009
While I have very limited experience in startups (just one and for less than a year), I am fairly certain they are run much like a pirate ship (even though I have decidedly less experience with pirate ships). The life of a buccaneer is fairly simple, with only a few important pieces.
The Ship - Pirates are nothing without their ship. The ship is the company, the look and feel defines the culture and abilities of the crew. The name and flag become ubiquitous and is analogous to a brand. Loyalty is pledged to this brand and it is the rallying cry and pride of the crew. It can also strike terror in competitors and common folk.
The Treasure - All pirate ships seek treasure. For a startup this is the product. It is often times the dream of the captain and crew. Everything that the the crew does is working towards this goal, and once the crew actually finds it the job is not done. No one really get anything until that treasure is sold, since you can’t just walk into a public house or burlesque house with a chest full of gold and jewelery and expect service.
The Treasure Map - X always marks the spot (even when you are Indiana Jones). The treasure is the end of the road, but the map is the idea. Usually this map requires a cunning captain to know many tricks, understand ancient scripture and have insight into exotic cultures. The route that the captain and crew choose to take can and will change, but the treasure is always on the horizon. When a pirate ship loses sight of the treasure, they are truly lost.
The Captain - Every pirate ship needs a leader. This person holds the map and steers the ship. This person (or persons) are usually the founders. They came upon the map and decided it was time to hoist the Jolly Roger and slit a few throats. These people need to be fearless zealots that protect the ship, command the crew, understand the map and dream of the treasure. A lapse of faith in the captain can cause a mutiny or worse.
The Crew - A ship can’t sail without a crew. This crew is made up of the fringe elements of society. The people who can bare a life at sea with long hours, less than perfect working conditions, a risk of scurvy and the occasional whipping. Crewmen are almost always inhumanly skilled with a wide range of talents, but they can and will jump ship if a sweeter offer appears. These mercenaries have a code that defines them, and when a good crew comes together there is not much that can stop them.
So why is all this so desirable? Besides being totally bad ass it is about freedom. The crew is all in this together and the ship, route and treasure all belongs to them. That feeling of ownership, of discovering something new and exploring uncharted waters makes it all worth it.
A pirate’s life for me.