Why Some Solutions Almost Always Succeed (And Others Don’t)

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Most of us look at a problem — ours or someone else’s — and stop at the first thing that comes to mind.

• I have to wait a long time in this queue.
• I cannot find a partner in this city.
• Founders can’t get funding.

These seem like problems, but they aren’t. They are symptoms, surface-level manifestations of deeper issues. If you stop at this level, you’ll solve the wrong thing — or worse, build something that no one truly needs.

Let’s dig deeper.

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The Problem Beneath the Problem

Take the first example: waiting in a queue.

Maybe waiting isn’t the real issue. Maybe the frustration comes from boredom while waiting or the feeling that the wait isn’t worth the outcome. If the queue was entertaining or productive, would waiting still feel like a problem?

What about finding a partner? Maybe someone isn’t looking for romance but just wants companionship to do things with. That changes what kind of solution would be relevant.

And then there’s startup funding. Many people — founders, consultants, and investors alike — look at “can’t get funding” as the problem. Their solutions? Start investment groups, create matchmaking agencies between startups and investors, or launch accelerators.

Yet, many of these efforts struggle to stay afloat. Why? Because they are not solving the problem.

The Real Problem with Startup Funding

I’ve been working with startups for over a decade. I’ve seen good ideas go unfunded. When I talk to people about it, they assume the problem is a lack of capital or access to investors.

But the real problem? Most founders don’t know how to sell their idea or business to investors.

No amount of networking, matchmaking, or warm introductions will help if a founder can’t stand in a room and convincingly sell their vision. They need to tell a compelling story, show why the opportunity is worth investing in, and make investors believe in them.

That’s why I didn’t start a funding office but an investor pitch coaching company instead. Because the real issue isn’t access to investors — it’s the inability to convince them.

The Genius of Digging Deeper

Most founders — and most people, really — stop at the symptom. If you want to come up with a genius idea, you need to keep peeling back layers to find the real problem.

Here’s how:

Ask why — repeatedly.

• “Why do I hate waiting in queues?” → Because it’s boring.
• “Why is it boring?” → Because there’s nothing to do.
• “Why is that a problem?” → Because I feel like I’m wasting time.
• Real problem: People want to make better use of their waiting time.

Observe what people actually struggle with.

• People say they want to meet like-minded professionals.
• But do they actually struggle with meeting people, or do they struggle with making meaningful connections?
• Real problem: They want a community where they feel supported, heard, and understood.

Solve for the true pain point, not just the inconvenience.

• A bad startup idea: “Let’s build an app that finds investors for founders.”
• A better startup idea: “Let’s teach founders how to pitch and close deals.”

How This Changes Your Thinking

If you’re a founder, consultant, or problem-solver, don’t take problems at face value. The real value — the game-changing, brilliant ideas — come from solving what actually hurts, not just what’s visible.

So, next time you have an idea, don’t rush to build a solution. First, make sure you’re solving the right problem. Otherwise, you’re just another person throwing money and time at a problem that doesn’t really exist.

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