Cerebras Systems cofounder Andrew Feldman has issued a stark message to aspiring business leaders, emphasizing the need for total commitment to their ventures. Feldman stated entrepreneurs must be working “every waking minute” to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.
His comments align with similar advice from other tech industry leaders, including Zoom CEO Eric Yuan and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, who have also advocated for extreme work dedication among startup founders.
The Work Ethic Debate in Tech Leadership
Feldman’s statement adds to an ongoing conversation about work-life balance in the entrepreneurial world. As the cofounder of Cerebras Systems, a company known for developing specialized hardware for artificial intelligence applications, Feldman speaks from experience in building a technology startup in a highly competitive field.
The “every waking minute” approach suggests entrepreneurs should dedicate virtually all their time to their business ventures, leaving little room for personal time or other pursuits. This perspective reflects a common belief in Silicon Valley that extraordinary success requires extraordinary commitment.
Zoom’s Eric Yuan has previously shared similar sentiments. During Zoom’s early days, Yuan reportedly worked extensive hours to build the video conferencing platform that would later become essential during the global pandemic. Likewise, Reid Hoffman, who helped create LinkedIn before its eventual acquisition by Microsoft, has been vocal about the sacrifices required to build successful companies.
Industry Reactions and Counterpoints
The all-in approach to entrepreneurship has both supporters and critics in the business community. Proponents argue that building a successful company, particularly in technology, requires this level of dedication to outpace competitors and overcome inevitable challenges.
Critics, however, point to growing evidence that sustainable work practices may lead to better long-term outcomes. Some successful founders have challenged the notion that constant work is necessary, suggesting that strategic focus and efficiency might be more important than sheer hours invested.
“Every waking minute” – Andrew Feldman, Cerebras Systems cofounder
The Reality of Entrepreneurial Life
For those considering the entrepreneurial path, Feldman’s advice highlights the reality that founding a company typically requires significant personal sacrifice. New businesses demand attention across multiple fronts simultaneously:
- Product development and refinement
- Customer acquisition and relationship management
- Fundraising and investor relations
- Team building and organizational development
- Strategic planning and market positioning
Many successful entrepreneurs report that the early years of building their companies consumed nearly all their time and energy. This reality stands in contrast to romanticized notions of entrepreneurship that focus primarily on innovation and freedom.
Feldman’s perspective comes from his experience building Cerebras Systems, which has developed what it calls the world’s largest computer chip designed specifically for AI workloads. The company has raised significant venture capital funding and competes in the rapidly evolving AI hardware market.
For aspiring entrepreneurs weighing this advice, the key takeaway appears to be a realistic assessment of the commitment required. While not everyone may agree with the “every waking minute” approach, understanding the potential demands of building a business remains essential for those considering this path.
