Survey of 120 founders links isolation to delayed decisions; time, cost, and caregiving remain key barriers to seeking support, says The Founder’s Sanctuary
More than 80 per cent of startup founders experience loneliness some or all of the time, and that sense of isolation is having a measurable impact on business outcomes, according to a new survey by The Founder’s Sanctuary.
The study, which polled 120 startup leaders, revealed that founders who reported feeling isolated were 50 per cent more likely to postpone critical decisions. This delay, in turn, slows overall business growth and can compound the pressures already facing young companies.
Stress, Overwork, and Performance
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents said stress and overwork are already denting their performance by impairing judgement and slowing down progress. For many, the emotional toll of building a company in high-pressure environments has become a hidden cost of entrepreneurship.
Barriers to Seeking Support
The research highlighted the main obstacles preventing founders from getting the help they need. Time, cost, and caregiving responsibilities emerged as the top three barriers, underscoring the practical and personal challenges that come with running a startup.
The Call for Community
The Founder’s Sanctuary emphasized that these findings point to the importance of creating safe, supportive communities for entrepreneurs, where they can share challenges, access resources, and reduce the burden of isolation.
“Entrepreneurship doesn’t need to be this hard,” the group noted, stressing that addressing founder well-being is not only a personal priority but also a business imperative.
As the startup ecosystem continues to grow across industries and geographies, the findings serve as a reminder that success is not built on capital and ideas alone — it also depends on the mental resilience and support systems of those at the helm.
