Capturing luck with "or" instead of "and"

Founder takeaway

Design startup bets so success can come from several independent paths rather than requiring every assumption to be right. More “or” conditions increase your chances of capturing unexpected upside; too many “and” conditions compound downside risk.

Why it matters

Startups cannot eliminate luck, but they can shape their exposure to it. A plan with multiple credible routes to success is more resilient when one assumption fails and better positioned to benefit from surprises.

Relevant guides

Put it to work

List the conditions your current plan requires. Which critical “and” could you replace with two viable alternatives, without spreading the company too thin?