028: Lifestyle vs. Startup: Growth at All Costs vs. Growth by Choice

Matt and Anne break down the real difference between a startup and a lifestyle business. Matt shares how ChipBot evolved from 110% startup grind to a sustainable, founder-led company—and why effort, not just capital, defines the startup mindset. They discuss growth pressure, investor expectations, personal sacrifices, and even how companies like OpenAI are still startups despite their size. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of business you’re building (or want to build), this episode will give you clarity and perspective.

🚨 Stuff You’ll Want to Remember:

• “Startups are growth at all costs. Lifestyle businesses are growth by choice.” — Matt Lo
• “I started ChipBot knowing I wasn’t strapping a rocket to my back.” — Matt Lo
• “It’s wild to think OpenAI is still a startup—thousands of employees, billions in revenue—but still growth at all cost.” — Anne
• “A lifestyle business is a reflection of the founder. It moves as you move.” — Matt Lo
• “Startups are painful. Very painful.” — Matt Lo

📡 Where to Find Us

• Anne → Fix & Form - LinkedIn
• Matt → ChipBot - LinkedIn