Anyone can start a business. What’s difficult is to grow, and keep the momentum.

According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20.4% of businesses fail in their first year, 49.4% in the first five years, and 65.3% in the first ten years.

But some companies don't just survive, they explode. What makes them different?

Smart financial moves.

Market timing.

Risk-taking, without gambling the whole company.

Here are five lessons from high-growth companies that have figured it out:

Lesson 1: Grow Without Baggage (Uber)

Uber built a global business without owning a single car. Instead of sinking billions into fleets, they built a platform that connects drivers and riders.

Uber put money into technology, logistics, and brand while outsourcing the heavy costs of vehicles and maintenance.

Growth doesn't mean you have to own more.

Lesson 2: The Prescription for Scaling Smart (Cardinal Health)

Cardinal Health, a $180B+ healthcare giant, thrives in a low-margin, high-volume business. They grew by carefully expanding into logistics and distribution, ensuring every move supported their core business.

They negotiate tight supplier payment terms while keeping customers locked into steady contracts. They move inventory fast and keep working capital lean.

Growth eats cash. If you don't manage it well, you're done.

Lesson 3: Know When to Double Down (Robinhood)

Robinhood knew that traditional investing felt complex and intimidating. So, they removed the barriers: zero commissions, an easy-to-use app, and a simple interface. They made stock trading as easy as scrolling on social media.

If your product is confusing, people won't use it. Simplify. Reduce friction. Make adoption effortless.

Lesson 4: Serve Up a Brand People Crave (Cava)

Scaling fast means getting people to buy into more than just the product.

Cava took a basic idea—fast-casual mediterranean food—and turned it into a movement. They built a cult-like brand with fresh, healthy ingredients, a mission-driven message, and tech-driven convenience.

Their strategy led to explosive growth, a huge IPO, and a brand people believe in. If you're scaling, build more than a product.

Build something people want to be a part of. People buy brands, stories, and experiences.

Lesson 5: Growth Doesn't Come from Standing Still (Nike)

Nike invests in storytelling through big sponsorships, inspiring ads, and cultural moments. But they don’t stop at marketing. Nike constantly reinvents itself, from performance apparel to tech-integrated gear to its direct-to-consumer shift.

They were early to embrace e-commerce and even quicker to adapt during retail shakeups. When brick-and-mortar slowed, Nike doubled down on digital, building a seamless app experience and deepening customer loyalty through personalized content and exclusive drops.

Growth comes from movement. Evolve your product. Change your strategy. Anticipate what’s next and be willing to pivot fast.

Growth Favors the Bold (and Prepared)

The companies that scale fast and last long don’t wing it. They operate with intention, investing in the right areas, keeping costs flexible, obsessing over the customer experience, and moving with purpose.

Smart financing strategies play a key role in that process. Whether it's preserving cash flow, expanding capacity, or seizing timely opportunities, the right financial partner can help make bold moves possible without overextending your business.

Survival is a grind. Growth is a game plan.

Looking to scale with less friction? Explore equipment financing solutions with Avtech Capital.