Since moving to silicon valley I've had the good fortune to know a group of highly motivated, talented entrepreneurs. They are some of the leaders in their industry, the spearhead of an important movement.

When I first met them, none of them had achieved wild success. I watched them struggle through failed startups, crap jobs, endless fundraising and calamity.

Now several game changing startups have emerged from this group. I am proud to know them. Not one of them was an overnight success. Just determined hard work, learning, and picking themselves up off the floor.