Launching a startup two decades after a failed first attempt brought clarity, humility, and a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a sustainable business. Related: When My Startup Failed, I Was Hopeless and Left in Tears. Build the right team: Use your network to find people who align with your mission and culture. Sell the vision: Know your customer, refine your message and create a product or service they actually want. But every setback, misstep and restart has made this journey — and this version of the startup — infinitely more grounded and more real.