Farming an Organic Business

When it comes to growing a business, the choice between venture-funded growth and organic-growth is much like the difference between industrial farming and organic farming. Venture-funded businesses often resemble high-input, high-output agricultural practices. Just as fertilizer and pesticides are used to accelerate crop yields in the short term, venture capital can propel a startup to rapid growth, flooding the market with cash and attention. But over time, just as soil loses its fertility under constant artificial intervention, a business reliant on constant funding will struggle once the initial capital dries up. The rapid growth is unsustainable, and the business tends to ultimately face a collapse or stagnation when the external input runs out.

Companies like Theranos and WeWork are prime examples: both initially grew quickly through large infusions of venture capital, but once that funding slowed or disappeared, the cracks in their business models became glaringly obvious, and their long-term sustainability was compromised.

In contrast, organic businesses grow at a slower, steadier pace. They don’t rely on artificial boosts but rather focus on building a healthy ecosystem around them—whether through customer loyalty, employee satisfaction, or a strong company culture. This takes longer, but the foundation is much stronger.

Patagonia, for example, built its success slowly but sustainably, focusing on ethical business practices, environmental sustainability, and strong customer relationships. Similarly, Apple's growth, while accelerated at times, has been built on consistent product innovation and deep brand loyalty, making it a giant that's withstood market fluctuations. Just like organic farming, which enriches the soil and fosters long-term viability, organic growth creates a business that can weather market shifts and continue to grow sustainably over time. It’s not as flashy, but it’s far more resilient in the long run.