Keep Moving: Brian Armstrong’s Philosophy for Startup Success

Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, believes that action is the key to success in startups. Drawing from Paul Graham’s idea that "startups are like sharks—if they stop swimming, they die," Armstrong emphasizes the importance of doing something, even if it’s not perfect. He explains that debating endlessly gets you nowhere, but acting produces valuable information. It’s only after you take action that you realize if something works or needs improvement.

Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase

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Action Leads to Clarity

Armstrong shares a personal experience: "We shipped something, and I immediately knew we built it wrong." Yet, this wasn’t a failure; it was a necessary step toward success. By taking action, he gained insights that wouldn’t have emerged without trying. He compares the startup journey to climbing a foggy mountain where you can only see a few steps ahead. The key is to keep moving. Once you take those first steps, the next steps will reveal themselves.

Embrace the Unknown

For Armstrong, the journey of building something new is filled with uncertainty. The path is often unclear, but action cuts through the fog. It’s better to take imperfect steps than to stay stagnant. Even if you don’t know what’s coming next, moving forward will help you gather feedback and evolve. This mindset of "just do something" helps startups navigate the unknown and continuously improve.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Armstrong’s approach serves as a reminder to all entrepreneurs: Don’t let indecision or the fear of failure hold you back. Keep experimenting, keep acting, and use the information that action generates to make better decisions. Startups thrive on momentum, and as long as you’re moving, you’re learning—and getting closer to success.

Listen to Brian Armstrong:

Source: Brian Armstrong: Coinbase, Cryptocurrency, and Government Regulation | Lex Fridman Podcast #307