This deliberate shroud of mystery is a strategic approach that serves various purposes.
In the exciting world of technology, there are special startups that prefer to keep things hush-hush, just like how movies are made in secrecy to retain their appeal till the release date. These startups operate in stealth mode, keeping their service, product or new project secret until it is fully developed and ready to make a big splash.
Within the realm of stealth mode, a startup may opt to withhold specific details regarding their objectives, team members or even its own name. These companies purposefully keep a low profile, remaining hidden from the spotlight.
Stealth mode startups primarily depend on the backing of private investors and venture capitalists for financial support. One clear indication of a stealth mode operation is a company with a website that offers limited information but is listed within the portfolios of venture capitalists. This presence within investor portfolios often signifies its status as a stealth-mode startup.
Firefly is an example of a stealth startup that used its secrecy to one-up competitors. The startup leverages rideshare vehicles to create a smart city media network. It remained under the radar until it secured US$21.5 million in funding in December 2018, which brought it into the public eye. Before that, Firefly was relatively unknown. The use of stealth mode allowed the startup to refine its products and services and establish a solid foundation without drawing excessive attention.
The rise of stealth mode startups
In 2020, funding for stealth startups saw a remarkable surge, increasing by an impressive 140 percent compared to the previous year. This trend was not coincidental, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, prompting many companies to adopt a more discreet approach to their operations. The unprecedented market uncertainty brought about by the pandemic acted as a catalyst for startups to stay concealed, strategically keeping their innovations hidden until the right moment.
Additionally, the economic fallout and rapidly shifting business landscape during the pandemic also made it challenging for startups to predict market demands accurately. In response, many companies chose to shield their projects from potential risks and avoid premature judgments. By operating discreetly, these startups could fine-tune their products or services, making necessary adjustments without external pressure.
Types of stealth mode
Stealth mode has two primary categories: total stealth mode and in-company stealth mode.
When operating in total stealth mode, a startup takes deliberate steps to keep all information about its company hidden from the public and competitors. This may include using a different name and intentionally diverting public attention from its true goals.
Typically, total stealth mode is a temporary phase that startups go through until they achieve specific short-term objectives, such as registering their intellectual property, validating the problem-solution fit and identifying a suitable product-market fit. This allows them to iterate, experiment and pivot if necessary.
Alternatively, in-company stealth mode occurs when a company internally maintains secrecy around the development of a new project, service, product or idea, ensuring that it remains confidential not only to the public but also to investors and shareholders.
For example, Microsoft has a notable track record of assigning codenames to different projects, aiming to limit external attention and scrutiny. A prominent instance of this practice includes the codename “Chicago” for Windows 95 and “Longhorn” for Windows Vista. Using these internal codenames, the company sought to maintain a level of secrecy and confidentiality surrounding these projects until they were ready to be publicly revealed.
Is it worth the secrecy?
Being in stealth mode can be particularly advantageous for startups operating in sectors where they offer a disruptive product or service. The unique selling proposition (USP) associated with their innovation holds immense value for investors, making it crucial to protect their ideas and avoid potential issues that may arise.
By keeping their new product or service hidden, startups can prevent premature competition and imitation. This allows them to maintain a competitive edge and maximize the potential market impact once they are ready to unveil their offering. It also enables them to fine-tune their product, validate the market demand, and ensure that their solution aligns with the evolving needs of their target audience.
Furthermore, remaining in stealth mode presents a strategic advantage by allowing a company to cultivate an air of mystery and anticipation around its activities and the industry it operates in. Investors are often drawn to startups that promise to revolutionize an industry and the element of secrecy brings exclusivity and potential for high returns.
The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and can be intrigued by startups operating in stealth mode. Journalists and industry experts are always on the lookout for the next big disruptor, and the mystery surrounding a company’s activities can pique their interest, leading to media coverage and increased visibility when the time is suitable for the company to emerge from stealth mode.
The drawbacks: when stealth is not wealth
While operating in stealth mode offers numerous advantages, it is important to consider the drawbacks of this approach. One of the main drawbacks is the limited visibility and potential missed opportunities for early feedback and market validation.
For a stealth startup, it is crucial to gather sufficient market input to improve its product. Without external perspectives, startups risk making decisions that might negatively impact the alignment of their product with the market’s needs and preferences, jeopardizing the crucial product-market fit.
In addition, operating in secrecy can lead to missed opportunities for startup funding that arise from being visible in the spotlight. By staying undercover, startups may inadvertently exclude themselves from potential funding avenues, such as crowdfunding campaigns or participation in accelerators.
Ultimately, whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks depends on the specific circumstances and goals of each startup. It is essential for startups to carefully evaluate the potential trade-offs and decide whether the strategic advantages of operating in stealth mode align with their long-term objectives and growth strategy.
Also read:
- Incognito Mode: Understanding Stealth Startups
- A Startup’s Guide: Tips to Expand Your Business Globally
- Why Your Brand Needs to Think About Unique Value Propositioning
- The ABCD of Funding
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