As we enter a new year in the startup world, it’s important to recognize the challenges tech founders will face in 2023.

This year, top-performing startups will find it easier to raise capital than average-performing startups. Startups that have extended their runways through budget cuts need to ensure they deliver strong results, particularly in terms of unit economics and growth rates, when they re-enter the market for funding in one to two years.

Despite these challenges, it is worth remembering that startups continue to solve many problems in the world, both large and small, and capital continues to be raised for investment in startups.

The increasing trend of cooperation and partnerships between startups, large companies and governments is also good news.

The first challenge for startup founders in 2023 is the difficult funding environment. Higher inflation, tighter monetary policy and geopolitical uncertainties last year caused many venture capitalists to tighten their wallets in response to maturity risk, making it harder for startups to get funding.

As the situation improves, top-performing startups will find it easier to raise capital than average-performing startups. As investors become more selective, they place greater emphasis on unit economics, growth rates and market traction.

Startups that have achieved a strong unit economy and sustainable growth will continue to raise capital.

In addition, startups that have extended their runways by implementing budget cuts should ensure they deliver strong results when they next tap the market for funding in one to two years. These startups have extended their runways by implementing cost-cutting measures and need to prove that their cost-cutting measures were successful and sustainable, while also achieving strong unit economics and growth rates.

Problems worth solving

Despite these challenges, startups must continue to solve problems in the world, both big and small.

From climate change and education to health, access to credit, productivity and poverty reduction, there are many problems that require innovative solutions.

Startup founders must be able to demonstrate their ability to solve these problems with innovative solutions while also proving that their business model is sustainable over the long term.

Another challenge for startup founders in 2023 is the uncertain state of the global economy. The IMF predicts that one-third of the world’s economies will slip into recession this year, with the greatest impact on emerging and developing economies.

However, other economies such as Australia, the EU, the US and China are expected to escape a deep recession.

Startups must be able to navigate this uncertainty by maintaining their agility and adaptability. As market conditions change, startups must be able to adapt their business models to the changing needs of their customers.

This requires the ability to quickly analyze market data and customer feedback and make informed decisions based on that.

Despite these challenges, there is good news for startup founders. Local VCs have been able to raise money from investors, demonstrating a strong belief in the strength of our startup ecosystem.

Against a backdrop of concerns that investors may be hesitant to commit capital, the tech scene continues to show potential, with startups securing significant rounds of funding and venture capital funds raising significant amounts.

Optimism about long-term technology trends and the potential for solid investment returns has helped maintain investor interest in the region.

This reflects the impressive track record of producing high-quality startups in Australia and New Zealand, suggesting that investors remain hopeful about the potential of technology innovation to create shareholder value and drive long-term economic growth.

The increasing trend of cooperation and partnerships between startups, large companies and governments is a positive development. These partnerships allow startups to leverage the expertise, resources and networks of established players to accelerate their growth and impact.

In addition, the rising trend of impact investing is good news for startups focused on solving the world’s major problems.

Impact investors are looking for startups that have a positive impact on society and the environment while generating strong returns.

• Benjamin Chong is a partner at a venture capital firm Right click Capitalinvestors in bold and visionary tech founders.