How Jason Kraus Helps Startups Turn Chaos into Momentum

Launching a startup is an exciting ride—but let’s be honest, it can also feel like controlled chaos most of the time. Between managing your team, chasing product-market fit, and struggling to find investors, things can get overwhelming fast.

So how do successful companies stay on track and keep moving forward? That’s where Jason Kraus, founding partner at Level Ventures, comes in. At TechCrunch Early Stage 2025, Kraus will share practical advice on how startup founders can harness the chaos and turn it into real momentum.

If you’re a founder, future entrepreneur, or just startup-curious, this blog post will break down what Jason teaches—using plain language, real-world examples, and simple steps you can actually use. Let’s dive in!

Why Chaos Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

First, the good news: chaos is normal. Every startup experiences it. In fact, some amount of disorder can actually help your business grow. It suggests you’re taking risks, challenging the status quo, and learning quickly.

But too much chaos? That’s a recipe for burnout. So, what sets successful startups apart? It’s not that they eliminate chaos altogether. Instead, they learn to channel it into forward motion.

Think of it like driving on a bumpy road

If you have the right vehicle (aka team and tools), some bumps won’t send you off the cliff. But if your wheels are falling off and your GPS stopped working, it’s going to be a rough ride. Jason Kraus equips founders with that “map and toolkit” to navigate startup turbulence—and even use it to speed up.

Jason Kraus’s Key Strategies for Startup Momentum

At TechCrunch Early Stage 2025, Jason will be leading a session on how to shift from “startup chaos” to “startup momentum.” Here are some highlights of what he’ll be sharing:

• Identify the real problem—fast: Startups often waste time solving the wrong issues. Kraus emphasizes quick diagnostics. What’s actually stopping you from moving forward?
• Use investor-level thinking: Even if you’re not fundraising today, asking the kinds of questions VCs ask will help you build a stronger business.
• Build systems early: Don’t wait until you’re scaling to add structure. Simple systems save time, reduce stress, and free you to focus on growth.
• Momentum comes from clarity: Be crystal clear on your goals and your “why.” Confusion leads to chaos. Clarity leads to action.

Engage Like a VC – Even If You’re Not One

One big takeaway from Jason’s session is learning to think like a venture capitalist. Why does that matter? Because VCs look at your business differently than you do.

Here’s an example: Imagine you’re building a productivity app. You might focus on features or UI design details. A VC wants to know: Who’s your target market? How big is the opportunity? What moat do you have? Thinking like a VC keeps you focused on making your company investor-ready and market-fit.

Try this quick mental exercise:

• What would a VC love about your business right now?
• What would make them hesitate?
• What could you change in the next 30 days to shift their opinion?

If you aren’t sure how to answer, that’s okay. That’s exactly what Jason helps founders understand—and fix.

Build Simple Systems to Stay Sane

You don’t need fancy software or dashboards to be organized. According to Kraus, simple systems are your secret weapon.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Weekly goal-setting meetings with your team—even if that team is just you and one co-founder.
• A shared to-do list using tools like Notion, Trello, or even Google Docs.
• A one-page business summary you update monthly to track progress and clarify direction.

These small routines create rhythm. And rhythm creates momentum.

The Power of Clarity in a Storm

When things feel chaotic, it usually means you’ve lost focus. Maybe your team doesn’t know what to prioritize. Maybe your product vision is muddled. Jason Kraus reminds us that clarity is the compass.

Whether it’s your hiring plan, your product roadmap, or your fundraising timeline—ask yourself:

• What are we really trying to achieve?
• Why does it matter?
• What’s the next best step?

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple “why.” When everyone on your team understands the mission, they work with purpose—not panic.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Jason Kraus at TechCrunch 2025

If you’re attending TechCrunch Early Stage this year, Jason’s session is a must-see. He’s been on both sides of the table—as an investor and as an operator—and brings hands-on experience that makes his advice easy to apply right away.

Plus, the energy in a live workshop setting means you can ask your real, messy startup questions—and get honest answers.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• A better understanding of what’s causing “startup chaos” in your business
• A game plan to build momentum and reduce energy-draining work
• Actionable strategies you can implement this week—not next year

Final Thoughts: Turning Disorder into Drive

Running a startup is exhilarating, but it can also feel like a thousand things screaming for your attention at once. Jason Kraus offers a clear path forward: embrace the chaos, understand it, then direct it.

With the right mindset, tools, and clarity, you don’t have to wait for things to “calm down” before making progress. In fact, some of the best breakthroughs happen in the mess.

So, ask yourself: What chaos in your startup could you turn into momentum—today?

Want More?

Don’t miss Jason Kraus at TechCrunch Early Stage 2025. And if you can’t make it in person, check out the replay or follow key highlights online. Turning startup chaos into momentum isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the skill that separates sustainable growth from startups that stall.

Keywords to note: startup growth, investor advice, Jason Kraus, TechCrunch Early Stage, how to manage startup momentum, startup chaos management

Whether you’re just starting your journey or trying to level up your current venture, take a cue from Jason Kraus: often the answer is less about doing more—and more about thinking clearly.