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Palmer Luckey on Taking Risks While You’re Young

Writer: Startup BellStartup Bell

Palmer Luckey, the mind behind Oculus, didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to start his company presented itself. Moving from a minimum-wage job to revolutionizing virtual reality, he saw it as a clear path forward. For him, dropping out of school wasn’t the hard part—once he realized what he was building, it all fell into place.


Palmer Luckey, founder, Oculus
Palmer Luckey, founder, Oculus

Photo: Getty Images


Why the Stakes Are Lower When You’re Young

Luckey emphasizes a key message: starting a company when you’re young comes with lower stakes than it might later in life. He believes young entrepreneurs often don’t realize how little they have to lose. With few financial or family responsibilities, you’ve got time on your side, and no matter the outcome, you can always bounce back. He makes it clear that failing at a young age is not a disaster—it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.


More Courage, Less Fear

For Luckey, it’s not about bravery but recognizing that the fear of failure is often exaggerated. He encourages young people to dive in and take risks, even suggesting that not taking the leap is the real sign of cowardice. After all, when you’re young, the only thing you stand to lose is time, but what you can gain in experience and knowledge is invaluable.


Conclusion: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time

Palmer Luckey’s journey teaches us that waiting for the "right time" to start a company might just be an excuse. Instead, young entrepreneurs should capitalize on their freedom, learn from their mistakes, and realize that risk-taking is far less scary than it seems. There’s no better time to start building your dream than right now.


Listen to Palmer Luckey:

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