An Instacart founder shares his sneaker test for entrepreneurs

Max Mullen, co-founder of Instacart and a seasoned seed investor, shared an intriguing method for assessing entrepreneurial spirit during an appearance on the "Uncapped with Jack Altman" podcast. Mullen's unconventional approach centers around a simple observation: the condition of a founder's sneakers. He explained that determining who is genuinely dedicated to their startup can be challenging, especially at the seed stage. Over time, Mullen noticed a pattern. "If you're looking at a founder and they got dirty white sneakers, you're a real builder," he stated. This insight stems from his belief that those preoccupied with their ventures often neglect their appearance. "They don't have time to buy nice sneakers," he elaborated, emphasizing that these individuals are likely to be the ones pouring their energy into their work, sometimes even sleeping in their offices. Mullen recounted a specific instance involving Gumloop, an AI automation platform in which he invested. He noticed that one of the founders had sneakers that were incredibly worn and dirty. So much so that he felt compelled to buy the founder a new pair of shoes. Max Brodeur-Urbas, another co-founder of Gumloop, humorously mentioned that his partner Rahul Behal doesn’t prioritize new clothes or shoes, highlighting the commitment that often comes with startup life. In contrast, Mullen pointed out that founders who meticulously manage their appearance might be signaling that they are not as focused on building their businesses. Reflecting on this dynamic, he noted, "I've just found that the real builders, they look the part." This unique perspective sheds light on the gritty reality of entrepreneurship and how appearances can sometimes reveal deeper truths about dedication and hard work.