Hypergrowth versus Regeneration

“Fasten your seatbelts; we’re about to take off!”

The startup world often echoes this sentiment as companies surge forward, their growth trajectories resembling rockets. But let’s pause for a moment and question the narrative. Is it truly exponential, or are we caught in the allure of a myth?

Exponential Hypergrowth puts up visions of hockey sticks and boundless success. We have all heard the boast, “Our user base is growing exponentially!” But the truth is, once we start looking into data we find a different story.

Facebook, did not experience exponential growth throughout its existence. Its early years saw a meteoric rise, but then a surprising revelation: linear growth. Facebook’s monthly active users followed a linear trajectory for nearly two decades, not an exponential one. The meteoric rise? More like a steady ascent.

The productivity tool Slack, followed a similar pattern – initial quadratic growth followed by a shift to linear.

So, the myth of exponential hypergrowth? Busted.

If instead of chasing the elusive myth of exponential growth, startups embrace the power of sustainability and regenerative business, they will get linear progress. Understanding the concept of regeneration and related regenerative concepts, places a more intentional focus on systems thinking to protect, restore and replenish both human capital and natural resources. It allows us to make informed decisions, build solid foundations, and nurture loyal relations with customers, partners, suppliers…

In fact, over the last few years, we have been assisting companies beginning to operate as regenerative businesses in order to accelerate change. This is much more than a theoretical exercise.

Let’s break down the definitions, to better understand:

• Regeneration: The process of renewal, growth and restoration.
• Regenerative Economy/Business/Operations: Practices that seek to create thriving ecosystems, resilient communities and a healthier planet whilst making a profit. It is a “giving-back model” that promotes the restoration and regeneration of natural resources and social systems.

The true measure of a startup’s success is its ability to navigate the marathon and look for the entire ecosystem around it: Social, Economics, Politics, Technology, Legal, Community… It is not about dominating the short sprint looking only for growth. More than looking for instant results, it’s about building a strong foundation for the long path. By prioritizing regenerative practices and sustainable scaling, startups can create lasting value and genuine connections.

There´s no doubt that as we move forward in a world of climate consciousness, tech ethics, and a longing for genuine connections, regeneration is the answer that aligns with linear growth’s main values:

• Climate Consciousness: Sustainable growth aligns with a greener ethos, minimizing our environmental impact.
• Tech Ethics: Algorithms shape our lives. If we choose linear progress over exponential chaos, we can risk bias and manipulation.
• Human Connection: Amidst screens and algorithms, we crave authentic relationships, and genuine connections, not fleeting trends.

Are you done with the whole “growth at all costs” thing? Are you ready to shift to a more sustainable way of doing things?

Working together, we can create a future where startups thrive, our planet flourishes, and our connections are genuine and meaningful.