Vulnerable moment: why I almost gave up on startup
These are a few comments I received after pitching my idea for my startup.
I was pitching “wellsy” a WhatsApp health bot I designed to help underserved communities where many migrants struggle to access clinics or understand their health rights, it speaks multiple languages, answers FAQs and helps people find affordable care nearby, I believed in it with my whole chest, but that pitch.. was brutal
I presented to a room of people I respected, healthcare mentors, incubator judges, a few startup advisors
I expected curiosity, questions, even skepticism
What I got was those comments.. so I walked out of the meeting feeling like I’d just embarrassed myself infront of the entire healthcare scene.
Later that day I sat on the floor of my room, laptop closed, phone on silent and I couldn’t stop thinking: maybe I’m forcing something that no one wants, maybe my idea was never “innovative”, maybe I was just trying to “fix” a system that’s already forgotten the people I care about, I wanted to GIVE UP. Fully. Quietly.
To disappear and pretend this never happened.
My parents didn’t understand either, they told me I’m wasting time on my projects when I could just be getting paid, they weren’t being cruel.. just practical. That stung even more because I DID need money. I was burning through my savings and I rejected two admin job offers already, and for what? A chatbot no one believed in.
A woman I’d met while researching in the underserved community texted me: my friends chest is hurting, I want to go to a clinic but which one is good?
She was asking ME, like I was the system.
That’s when it hit me, this is exactly why I was working. I cried for 40 minutes
What I did next:
- I updated the symptom triage, tested new clinic directory features and reached out to nurses who speak other languages to help me with translations and STILL no funding and no formal support. But I started again, quieter this time, less about proving myself and more about building for HER.
Where I am now:
I am still in prototype and working on other ai systems to incorporate my ideas all together for the healthcare but I have already helped a few people find nearby affordable clinics.
No spotlight and no headlines
Just tiny wins.
Quiet dignity.
That’s more than enough for me for now.
I’m working on another ai system for non verbal patients and I met a woman called Maria, she is 54 and non verbal after a stroke. She kept clutching her head, grimacing and trying to speak. I couldn’t understand her, and it KILLED ME.
Because that was exactly the kind of moment my tools are being built for. And all my fear became NOISE, because Maria’s wasn’t hypothetical.
Now I’m way further in than I was and with more passion and more connections and I’m feeling so excited to see what the future holds!
In today's fast-paced world, launching a startup can often feel like a rocky road filled with doubt and skepticism. Many entrepreneurs share similar experiences, particularly when trying to solve complex problems in underserved communities. My journey with Wellsy, a WhatsApp health bot, truly encapsulates this struggle. Initially, I was met with harsh feedback that led me to question the entire premise of my project. I felt the weight of expectations from mentors, advisors, and even family, who suggested I focus on more 'practical' career options. However, the moment a community member reached out to me in need changed everything. It reminded me why I began this journey in the first place: to provide real, actionable healthcare support to those who lack access. The feedback I received included comments questioning the viability of my idea and its scalability. Many doubted whether individuals in underserved populations would even use chatbots for health assistance. Nonetheless, these challenges became fuel for my determination. I pivoted my approach, focusing on creating a meaningful solution rather than seeking validation. Today, I am at a point where I am actively building tools that can bridge communication gaps in healthcare, especially for non-verbal patients. This revitalized focus is not just about overcoming obstacles; it's about empowering those people who urgently need assistance in navigating healthcare systems. My story is one of resilience, and as I move forward, I am excited to see how Wellsy can evolve to meet the needs of even more individuals. Entrepreneurship often requires embracing vulnerability and using it to drive innovation. For those who feel disheartened in their startup endeavors, remember that every moment of self-doubt can lead to greater clarity and purpose in your mission.
Amazing!