We like to think of startups as independent entities out to change the world. In reality, startups are a reflection of the founders and their personal styles, goals, and desires. As the founders go, so go the startups.
Vision, mission, and values are three areas the founders most influence, as defined by Wikipedia in their strategic planning article:
- Vision – Outlines what the organization wants to be, or how it wants the world in which it operates to be. It is a long-term view and concentrates on the future.
- Mission – Defines the fundamental purpose of an organization or an enterprise, succinctly describing why it exists and what it does to achieve its vision.
- Values – Beliefs that are shared among the stakeholders of an organization. Values drive an organization’s culture and priorities and provide a framework in which decisions are made.
One of the most visible reflections of the founders is the office space and environment. As soon as you step into an office, you have a good feel for the type of people and organization — it’s a reflection of the founders. Startups are a collection of people and a reflection of the founders.
What else? What are your thoughts that startups are a reflection of the founders?
David Cummings on Startups 
I think our thoughts are pretty closely aligned on values, vision and mission. I wrote a similar blog post on this topic. Love to get your thoughts. http://www.jasonswenk.com/1/post/2013/07/what-makes-a-good-leader.html
I like how the people at FounderDating put it: “Ideas change. People don’t.” As founders, clarifying vision, mission and values from the start is the best way to keep your heads at the fortunate peaks and weather the inevitable valleys.
Office space / environment is one interesting reflection. Even pre-funding, founders can choose space and how it’s utilized. Having visited ATV this week from Raleigh, it reminded me a lot of what we like about GROUNDFLOOR’s space at HQ Raleigh in the NC Triangle. You guys obviously have a good thing going there in Atlanta.