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@connorkapoor (posted 2026-07-21) asserts startups are not true meritocracies and…

2026-07-21 · 16:30 UTC ·@connorkapoor ·0 min read

Brief

Connor Kapoor argues that despite beliefs in meritocracy, startup outcomes still reflect old-fashioned business dynamics: personal liking often trumps product quality. He contends decisions boil down to whether people 'like that guy' or not, and concludes with a behavioral prescription for founders and operators: don't be a dick.

Why it matters

@connorkapoor (posted 2026-07-21) asserts startups are not true meritocracies and that the idea 'best products will win' is misleading.

Key details

  • He claims modern business still follows 20th-century norms where deals and outcomes hinge on personal affinity — essentially 'I like that guy' vs 'I don't like that guy'.
  • His explicit moral: behave decently — 'don't be a dick' — as personal conduct materially affects startup success and opportunities.
Source evidence

I think a lot of folks like to think startups are a meritocracy, best products will win, etc etc.

But it's increasingly clear that the 20th-century way of doing business is still the default

It all comes down to "I like that guy" or "I don't like that guy"

The moral of the story is don't be a dick.