Every year, we speak to early-stage founders who say the same thing: “We’ll start marketing after the funding closes.” The reason is almost always the same — marketing feels expensive, uncertain, and non-essential  at the early stage. But here’s the reality most startups discover a little too late: Foundational marketing isn’t optional — it’s what makes your startup fundable in the first place. The Common Startup Misconception Early-stage startups often believe: Marketing = a