What Does Startup Mean to You?

Why do people choose to start a business?

Is it because they want to escape the 9-to-5?

Is it about chasing a dream—or proving to the world (and themselves) that they can make it?

Everyone has their own reasons for starting out, and some might not even know exactly why.

But somewhere along the journey, the question tends to resurface:

“Why am I doing this?”

Startup can mean freedom

You get to call the shots. You’re no longer bound by someone else’s rules.

But it also comes with pressure—because all the consequences fall on you. No backup, no excuses.

“Being an entrepreneur is like eating glass and staring into the abyss of death.”

— Elon Musk

Startup can be idealistic

You want to build something meaningful.

But it can also mean compromise. You need to pay the bills. You need to pivot.

Sometimes the dream feels far away.

“Today is cruel. Tomorrow is crueler. But the day after tomorrow is beautiful. Most people die tomorrow night and never get to see the sunshine of the day after.”

— Jack Ma

Startup can feel lonely

Late at night, it’s just you figuring out the next step.

But you’re not really alone. There are countless others out there, walking a path just like yours.

That’s why we created the Macao Startup Club—to be a place where you don’t have to walk alone.

Startup doesn’t always mean success, but it always means growth.

The most important thing is: do you still remember why you started?

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

— Steve Jobs

So what about you? What does startup mean to you?

We’d love to hear your story. Let’s keep building—together.