There are common pitfalls that startups face at different stages of growth. Team issues are often the biggest determinant of success or failure, with experience and learning agility being important factors. Market validation is also critical, as many startups fail due to producing products that no one wants or having poor unit economics. Financial issues like running out of cash too early or experiencing too much dilution can also cause startups to fail. Growing too quickly or taking on too much scope also contributes to failures during the scaling process. While there are no guarantees, understanding common patterns can help startups navigate the stages towards success.