By Fernando Berrocal

The startups that are in stealth mode are something innovative and fascinating, but are they worth it after all? Startups in stealth mode are extremely popular in the startup world due to their confidentiality and secrecy, which always attracts people. Stealth Mode is an effective psychological technique used by founders and co-founders of startups in the hopes of attracting their main target: Venture Capitalists (VCs). They might be interested and want to join the club. The problem with this approach is that sometimes it can be a load of nonsense.

Stealth Mode Startups can have a series of legitimate reasons to get chosen. There are valid motives to keep things quiet until they feel that their business is in a position to take the world. For most startups, however, the benefits of being out in the open nearly always surpass the potential benefits of being in stealth mode. 

They vary from discovering the proper product/market fit to identifying your first 100 customers to getting investors funded right away. Counting with that, the following topics can help you decide whether it is a good idea or not to launch your startup in stealth mode.

1. Are you a Famous Serial Founder or Famous in General?

One of the primary justifications for why founders launch secretly is the mystery around stealth mode businesses. People adore a well-kept secret! They'll be curious as to what you're up to and will want to be a part of it. The problem is that unless you're a renowned serial entrepreneur or famous for something else, it's doubtful that anyone will be interested in what you're doing. “No one cares about your startup but your mother,” it’s often said to founders. It's harsh, but it's accurate. No one will care about your startup unless it gains traction, receives attention, and makes a difference in people's lives. Unless, of course, you're famous.

People are going to want to know what you're working on if you're renowned and recognized for making amazing stuff. When you eventually bring your stealth mode startup out into the open, they'll be thrilled to join your team.

2. Is your Product/Market Fit solid?

Stealth mode is completely contradictory to another prominent business philosophy: lean startup. The goal behind the lean startup is to get your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to market as fast as possible so you can figure out what works and what doesn't. That's the first phase in the iteration cycle, which seeks to get your business as close to product/market fit and viability as possible.

The main drawback of a stealth mode business is that finding product/market fit without bringing the product to market is extremely difficult. Stealth mode, according to supporters of the lean startup and the “fail fast” mentality, is the polar opposite of what you should do if you want to build a great product.

3. Do You Have Time to Work for your Startup?

Being a stealth mode startup might give the time and space to work out all the bugs and other complications without the spotlight of the press or investors shining over your shoulder for businesses that are developing new or highly difficult technology. 

After all, creating in front of an audience comes with a lot of pressure of different types, which is something that you may not require in your entrepreneur life. 

4. Are you worried to get your idea stolen?

For some entrepreneurs, the worry of someone stealing their concept or technology is very real — which is why establishing a business in stealth mode is appealing. If you're bootstrapping your business, that worry is multiplied. Even if you don't have any money, an internationally competitive competitor might come in and steal your concept and copy it without hesitation. Founders who are worried about proprietary secrets should just be cautious about what information they share, according to experts. You may try out a concept without revealing your algorithm easily.

5. Is your Startup truly game-changing?

Even when the startup community loves to use terms like "disruptive," "world-changing," and "revolutionary," the fact is that most businesses aren't. They may be interesting. Or at least intriguing. Alternatively, you might come up with a fantastic new spin on something that currently exists. Are they, however, genuinely disruptive? Will you make a difference in the world? Is it possible to start a revolution? Most likely not.

Before you decide to begin in stealth mode, ask yourself these questions about your startup. Don't be alarmed if the response is "no."

In the end, there are just a few scenarios when a stealth mode startup makes sense. Ask yourself: Do we need to start in stealth mode? Be honest with yourself about what your startup is, what you're trying to do, and who you're trying to reach.

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