I’ve often found myself in conversations—both in my clinic and in boardrooms—where the focus is on controlling outcomes. Patients come to me with the hope that science can guarantee a child, just as founders pitch their startups with the assurance that they can guarantee success. But as I’ve learned through a particularly unexpected IVF outcome, both in medicine and investing, control is more of an illusion than a reality.
A patient of mine, let’s call her Anjali, came to me with the hope that genetic testing could prevent any surprises. She and her husband had undergone expanded carrier screening, and they were optimistic that pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) would offer them the best chance of success. The embryos were tested, one was selected, and everything seemed perfect. Yet, as life would have it, the cycle failed. This wasn’t just a blow to Anjali and her husband; it was a stark reminder to me of the unpredictability inherent in the process.
In my experience, IVF cycles can mirror the startup world. Both demand a high level of resilience and a willingness to pivot when things don’t go as planned. This particular case reminded me of a startup founder I once backed, who seemed to have everything going for him—a strong team, innovative technology, and market demand. Yet, unforeseen market dynamics led to the venture’s failure. The commonality between these experiences is the constant presence of uncertainty, which no amount of preparation can fully mitigate.
Reflecting on Anjali’s case and the lessons from the startup that failed, I’ve come to realize that the key is not in eliminating failure but in understanding its inevitability and extracting learning from it. In IVF, after a failed cycle, my team and I meticulously review every aspect—from the ovarian response to the quality of embryos and the timing of the transfer. This rigorous post-mortem helps us refine our strategies for the next attempt. Similarly, in investing, a failed venture prompts a deep dive into what went wrong, what market conditions were at play, and what could be optimized in future investments.
One of the most profound shifts in my investment perspective has been the appreciation for emotional resilience and support systems. Just as patients benefit from counseling during challenging IVF journeys, founders need mentorship and a supportive network to weather the storms of entrepreneurship. The emotional toll of a failed IVF cycle is akin to the stress experienced by entrepreneurs facing setbacks. Both require mental fortitude and the ability to pivot strategies when necessary.
In both IVF and investing, the science and systems are perpetually evolving. New techniques and protocols in IVF improve success rates, just as emerging technologies and business models offer new opportunities in the startup world. As an investor, staying informed and adaptable is crucial. The lesson from Anjali’s failed IVF cycle taught me to remain open to new ideas and approaches, whether in the lab or the boardroom.
What remains constant, however, is the need for transparency and honesty. Patients deserve clear explanations and realistic hope, just as founders deserve candid feedback and strategic guidance. Transparency fosters trust and lays the groundwork for future successes. In fact, I’ve written about why transparent conversations are the cornerstone of both IVF and investment success. It’s a principle I hold dearly in both my medical practice and my investment endeavors.
In the end, both fields share a common goal: creating life. Whether through the birth of a child or the growth of a company, the paths are fraught with challenges but also filled with moments of profound learning and unexpected joy. As I continue this journey, I’m grateful for the lessons that failure teaches and the resilience it builds, both in myself and in those I have the privilege to support.
So, to my peers who are navigating the complexities of IVF or the uncertainties of investing, I encourage you to embrace the unpredictability. It’s not about chasing control; it’s about cultivating resilience and extracting valuable insights from every setback. This is the unexpected lesson from Anjali’s case that has transformed my perspective, and it’s a philosophy I carry with me in every endeavor.