First yes

Traction doesn’t come from the market.

Not at the beginning.

Early traction is local liquidity. A few people willing to try before it’s safe, before it’s proven.

That first yes rarely comes from strangers.

It depends on insiders. And it stalls when they won’t go first.

A university that teaches innovation but won’t use what comes out of its own classrooms.

A government that promotes entrepreneurship but won’t buy from local startups.

A large company that mentors founders but never uses what they build.

Not because the work is bad.

Because being first carries responsibility.

Buying something already famous feels safer. The blame isn’t yours.

Early traction isn’t a transaction. It’s a gift.

Traction isn’t about startups being good enough.

It’s about communities being brave enough to go first.