I bet that most startups don't fail miserably, they probably just fizzle out. We've all had those light bulb moments where a great idea hits us and we think it would make a great business. You get a couple coders together and hack something together only to realize it's too hard, or you don't have enough time, or a number of other excuses. You go back to work and soon your startup is forgotten.
I'm not sure whether the total number of startups (of which maybe 10% succeed) includes the ones I described, because they're so hard to track.
That's my question...when does an idea become a startup? After the first all night hack-a-thon? After you set up your "coming soon" page? When the first person quits his day job? Depending on what we're calling a startup, that 90% number can be very reassuring or very depressing.
I'm not sure whether the total number of startups (of which maybe 10% succeed) includes the ones I described, because they're so hard to track.