Productivity Hacks Fall Short According to a16z VC Who Found Startup Success

Andreessen Horowitz general partner Martin Casado, who sold his networking startup Nicira to VMware for $1.25 billion, challenged popular productivity trends at TechCrunch Disrupt last week, suggesting that such hacks might not be the secret to startup success. Addressing a packed audience, Casado warned Silicon Valley founders against prioritizing “hustle culture” and rigid routines over mental well-being, emphasizing that true success requires more than following productivity trends.

Casado, who joined the high-profile VC firm after founding two companies, discussed how startup culture in Silicon Valley often becomes performative, with founders engrossed in networking and adhering to unwritten rules about startup life. He pointed out the common trend of scripting daily schedules to maximize productivity—waking up early, eating specific foods, exercising, and following dietary restrictions at certain times. These habits, while trendy, may not deliver the impact founders hope for, he argued.

Casado highlighted specific productivity hacks like “Eat the Frog,” the Pomodoro Technique, and others that emphasize efficiency but warned that focusing too heavily on these routines could distract founders from the real challenges of running a startup. In his view, filling a day with rigid tasks might overlook the importance of maintaining mental health and resilience throughout the demanding journey of building a company.

Instead, Casado advised founders to do “the opposite” of popular productivity advice, suggesting they prioritize self-care. For some, this might mean taking unconventional approaches to personal well-being, such as sleeping in or occasionally choosing fast food over strictly regulated diets. He reminded the audience that success in the startup world can take years, and relying on short-term productivity hacks is unlikely to sustain them over that extended period. Casado stressed that the founders who survive long enough to reach success are often those who prioritize their well-being, giving them a greater chance of achieving their goals in the long run.

Featured image courtesy of Eric Newcomer