James Watt on Beating the Odds: Three Lessons from a Great British Entrepreneur

Starting a business is tough. The stats are stacked against you, 90% of businesses fail within the first three years. But some entrepreneurs don’t just survive, they change industries, build movements and inspire millions.

James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog, is one of them. Before BrewDog became a household name, James and his co-founder Martin Dickie were two craft beer lovers brewing in a garage in northeast Scotland, trying to disrupt an industry dominated by giants. They couldn’t afford to pay themselves for the first four years, but they built a global brand, a fanatical community, and a business valued at over £2 billion.

James was named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014, long before BrewDog became the force it is today. In 2024, he was inducted into the Great British Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on British business.

So, how did he do it? Here are his three rules for making sure your business doesn’t become part of the 90% that fail.