Embracing Feedback: A Key to Startup Success

U.S. Founders Are ‘Shameless’ With Feedback—And Europe’s Should Follow Suit, Says OpenAI Startup Chief

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Date: October 11, 2025

Introduction

In the high-stakes world of technology startups, feedback is the lifeblood of growth. But according to Brad Lightcap, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OpenAI and a key figure in its startup accelerator, American entrepreneurs have a distinct advantage over their European counterparts: they are “shameless” in seeking and using feedback. Lightcap’s comments, made in a recent interview with CNBC, have sparked a lively debate about cultural differences in entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the importance of open dialogue in building world-changing companies.

The Feedback Culture Divide

Lightcap’s remarks came during a discussion about the differing approaches to feedback in Silicon Valley versus Europe. He praised U.S. founders for their willingness to “put themselves out there,” actively seeking criticism from peers, mentors, and even strangers. “They’re not afraid to hear that their baby is ugly,” Lightcap quipped, referring to the candid, sometimes blunt, feedback that American entrepreneurs routinely solicit.

In contrast, Lightcap suggested that European founders are often more reserved, concerned about appearing unprepared or risking embarrassment. This cultural hesitation, he argued, can slow down innovation and limit a startup’s potential. “In Europe, there’s sometimes a sense that you have to have everything figured out before you ask for input,” Lightcap said. “That’s not how breakthroughs happen.”

The Role of Feedback in Startup Success

Feedback is more than just a nicety in the startup world—it’s a critical tool for rapid iteration and product-market fit. Many of the most successful American tech companies, from Airbnb to Slack, attribute their growth to early and frequent feedback loops. By exposing their ideas to scrutiny, founders can quickly identify flaws, pivot strategies, and refine their value propositions.

Lightcap, who oversees OpenAI’s startup accelerator, has seen firsthand how this approach accelerates progress. “The startups that embrace feedback—really lean into it—are the ones that move fastest and adapt best,” he told CNBC. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being open to learning.”

Cultural Context and Entrepreneurial Mindset

The contrast between American and European attitudes toward feedback is rooted in deeper cultural differences. The U.S. startup ecosystem is known for its “fail fast, fail often” mentality, where experimentation and risk-taking are celebrated. In Europe, however, there’s often greater emphasis on thorough planning and avoiding mistakes—a mindset that can lead to more cautious approaches.

Experts suggest that these differences are shaped by educational systems, risk tolerance, and societal attitudes toward failure. American business culture tends to view failure as a learning opportunity, while European cultures may stigmatize it to a greater extent. This can affect how founders approach feedback, with Americans more likely to proactively seek it out, even at the risk of criticism.

What European Founders Can Learn

Lightcap’s message to European entrepreneurs is clear: don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable. “You have to be shameless,” he said. “The faster you learn, the faster you grow.” He encouraged founders to seek out diverse perspectives, engage with mentors, and participate in communities where honest feedback is valued.

Several European tech hubs, such as Berlin, London, and Stockholm, are already embracing more open feedback cultures, inspired by Silicon Valley’s example. Accelerators and incubators across the continent are increasingly emphasizing the importance of peer review, mentor networks, and “demo days” where founders present their work and receive direct critiques.

The OpenAI Accelerator Model

OpenAI’s startup accelerator, which Lightcap helps lead, is designed to foster this kind of open, iterative environment. The program supports early-stage AI companies with funding, technical resources, and—critically—access to a network of experts willing to provide candid feedback. By encouraging founders to “pressure-test” their ideas early, the accelerator aims to help startups avoid costly mistakes and find product-market fit more quickly.

Image Suggestion:
A photo of Brad Lightcap speaking at an OpenAI event, or a screenshot from the official OpenAI startup accelerator webpage, illustrating the program’s focus on mentorship and feedback.

Broader Implications for Global Innovation

The feedback culture debate has implications beyond individual startups. As technology becomes increasingly global, the ability to rapidly iterate and adapt is a competitive advantage. Countries and regions that foster environments where feedback is welcomed—and even celebrated—may see faster innovation and greater entrepreneurial success.

Lightcap’s comments are a call to action for founders everywhere: embrace feedback, seek out criticism, and don’t let fear of embarrassment hold you back. “The best ideas get better when they’re challenged,” he said. “That’s true whether you’re in San Francisco, Berlin, or anywhere else.”

Conclusion

The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with uncertainty, but one thing is clear: feedback is a superpower. As Brad Lightcap and OpenAI’s accelerator demonstrate, the “shameless” pursuit of feedback can be the difference between stagnation and breakthrough. For European founders—and indeed, founders everywhere—the message is to lean in, listen, and let criticism fuel your growth.

Image Suggestion:
A conceptual illustration showing founders from different regions exchanging feedback, with speech bubbles and icons representing collaboration and growth.