For a startup, the “ultras” are your early adopters and evangelists. They’re the customers who see the potential in your product before anyone else does. Just like the ultras in football, they’ll back you passionately, spreading the word, providing valuable feedback, and championing your vision to others. And, just as we fight on the pitch to make our ultras proud, you build, grind, and innovate to keep your evangelists invested and inspired.
In both worlds, you’re not just playing for yourself—you’re showing up for the people who have your back, the ones who believe in you the most. With that in mind, here are the strategies that can turn your startup into a winning team, the kind that brings your vision to life and makes your fans—whether in the stands or online—proud.
Select a Winning Team
In football, a winning team isn’t just talented; it’s made up of players who are hungry to prove themselves and who genuinely buy into the mission. It’s not enough to just have the right skills on paper; everyone has to be there for the same reason. Startups need to focus on building that same culture from day one. You want teammates who fit their roles like they were made for them, who aren’t just filling a position but pushing the team forward every day.
Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities
On the field, I know my position inside out: when to press, when to cover, when to go forward. If I had to guess what I’m supposed to do on the fly, we’d be out of formation in no time. It’s the same for startups. Every person has to know what’s expected of them and how their work fits into the bigger plan. Clear roles make the team a well-oiled machine, and when you’ve got that kind of focus, everything clicks.
Set Visionary but Achievable Goals
Yeah, everyone wants to win the World Cup. But you don’t get there by focusing on the trophy every single day; you get there by winning one game, then the next, and the next. In a startup, it’s the same—set big goals but break them down. Celebrate the small victories, hit your milestones, and trust that those steps will eventually lead you to the top.
Establish an Execution-First Culture
There’s a saying in football: “The best defense is a good offense.” What that really means is you’ve got to be focused on the here and now. Fancy tactics and beautiful plans are great, but if you don’t execute, you lose. Startups should focus on putting ideas into action, learning from every move, and adjusting fast. The teams that act, adapt, and stay agile are the ones that get results.
Optimize Time and Resources
Football games don’t last forever, and neither does a startup’s runway. You’ve got to make every minute, every dollar count. In the game, if you’re not efficient, you’re on the defensive, burning energy just to survive. Startups are the same—if you’re wasting resources, you’re playing catch-up, not leading. Efficiency is your secret weapon.
Encourage Open Communication and Feedback
There’s nothing worse than playing on a team where no one talks. On the field, if someone’s out of position, we need to call it out in real time. Startups need this same honesty. Everyone has to know where they stand, what’s working, and what’s not. When communication is open, it keeps the team connected and sharp. Without it, you’re playing with blind spots.
Create a Culture of Resilience
Football is a grind—there are injuries, bad calls, and losses that knock you down. You have to shake it off and keep going. Startups are no different. You’re going to face setbacks, and some days will feel like a losing streak. But it’s that resilience, that ability to keep fighting no matter what, that separates the teams that succeed from those that fall apart.
Promote Collaborative Problem-Solving
No one wins a game alone. A great football team works together, covering for each other and adapting as one. Startups should work the same way. When everyone brings their strengths to the table, the team becomes unstoppable. Brainstorming and problem-solving together doesn’t just get results; it builds trust. You go from a group of individuals to a true team.
Continuously Evaluate and Improve
After every match, we review what worked and what didn’t. Sometimes it’s tough to face the mistakes, but it’s the only way to get better. Startups need this mindset too. Look back at each project, take the wins, learn from the misses, and bring that insight to the next challenge. When you’re constantly improving, you’re always a step ahead.
Balance Risk with Reward
Football is all about smart risks—when to take the shot, when to pass. If you play too safe, you won’t score. But if you’re reckless, you’ll leave gaps that can be exploited. Startups need to walk the same line. Don’t be afraid to go for the big opportunities, but weigh the risks carefully. Knowing when to go all in and when to hold back is part of being a smart team.
Support Physical and Mental Well-being
No one plays their best game if they’re exhausted or mentally drained. You have to take care of your body and mind. In startups, the pressure can be just as intense as in pro sports. Leaders need to encourage their team to rest, take care of themselves, and keep a balanced mindset. Burnout doesn’t just cost a game—it costs the whole season.
These are the principles that help teams, whether in sports or business, go from good to unbeatable. Bring that commitment to your startup, and you’ll be set up for success, whatever challenges come your way.
Ole, Ole, Ole!
