The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Startup Life

Is startup life all it's cracked up to be? A new documentary has the possibility of saving some who think they have the next Facebook and giving a push to those who actually do. 

Co-producer Jonathon Perelli told us Startupland, a six-episode web series being premiered in DC next week, is a raw look at some of the most painful struggles of entrepreneurship life, along with the successes. Director Justin Gutwein follows five founders based out of The Fort accelerator, and interviews people running accelerators all over the country and mentors and tech superstars like Steve Case and Esther Dyson. Jonathon says some viewers may second guess if they should spend their life savings launching a company, with just as many getting inspiration. 

Jonathon, right, here with Justin, says the plan is to distribute the series globally, especially in areas without accelerator programs and entrepreneurship education. The Startupland team is also talking to universities about using it in business undergrad programs and MBA curriculums. And with 280 hours worth of footage, some of the content that doesn’t make it into the series will be available for more education. The project cost isn’t being released yet, but it’ll likely be seven figures. Following a national tour, the team will start a college and global tour in the fall. The first two episodes are premiering next week and the rest of the series will be drop in June. All six episodes will cost $19.99.