Sunday Startup Newsletter: January Edition 

Happy Sunday, Founders!

As we wrap up the week, I want to reflect on the wisdom, lessons, and inspiration we’ve shared these past few days. Each post was crafted to challenge your thinking, deepen your faith, and equip you to build something extraordinary. Whether you’re in the trenches of problem-solving, scaling your startup, or navigating the emotional roller-coaster of entrepreneurship, I hope these insights help you stay the course and walk boldly in purpose.

This Week’s Highlights 

👉 What I’ve Learned in 40 Years of Building Startups 

I shared five non-negotiables that have kept me moving forward: perseverance, alignment with God’s purpose, unshakable faith, mastering customer acquisition, and raising capital wisely. These principles have been my compass through decades of startup building—and they can be yours too.

👉 Aligning My Will with God’s Will 

I opened up about the ongoing process of aligning every part of life—dreams, plans, businesses, and even daily thoughts—with God’s will. Success isn’t achieved by sheer willpower but by leaning into His grace. Founders, when you align with His purpose, you’ll find the freedom to step fully into what you were created to do.

👉 Mondays Set the Tone 

In two posts, I challenged founders to approach Mondays with faith over frustration, focusing on cracking the code instead of complaining. Success isn’t built on momentary genius but on disciplined steps that create momentum. Faith-driven founders have a hidden advantage: they rely on purpose to guide their actions, building impact week by week.

👉 Dealing with Critics as a Founder 

Criticism comes with the territory when you lead a brand and movement. My rule? Let God handle your critics. Spectators make noise, but players score points. I reminded founders to focus on building, loving their enemies, and letting God handle the rest.

👉 The Danger of Startup Porn 

Too many founders fall for the hype of raising capital as the ultimate goal. But startup success isn’t built on luck or funding alone—it’s built on solid RevOps strategies and a relentless focus on customer acquisition. Raising capital should never be your Plan A. Build wealth first, and raise wisely when it’s time.

👉 Faith and Uncharted Territory 

Faith-driven founders don’t see obstacles the same way others do. Walking by faith means understanding that every enemy and obstacle has already been defeated. Like Moses, it’s about seeing both the opportunity and the challenge—but trusting that the battle belongs to God.

👉 The Two Startup Journeys 

Every founder takes two parallel paths: the tactical journey (from idea to exit) and the emotional journey (dreams, delays, difficulties, and breakthroughs). I reminded founders that the emotional roller-coaster is part of the thrill—and the key to enduring it is to make decisions based on belief, not fleeting feelings.

Closing Message 

Founders, building a startup is not just a tactical journey—it’s a journey of faith, perseverance, and alignment with your greater purpose. This week, I invite you to reflect on the stories and lessons shared. Which insights resonate most with your journey?

Let’s commit to walking boldly, trusting in God’s plan, and celebrating every small win along the way. Keep cracking the code, building momentum, and staying faithful to your calling.

Here’s to a week of action, alignment, and extraordinary impact.

Blessings,
Gerald Duran
Managing Partner, CanaGlobal

“Planting oak trees, not unicorns”

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