Can you build a startup without sacrificing your mental health? Bonobos founder Andy Dunn thinks so

Andy Dunn balances mental health while leading startups like Bonobos and Pie.

: Andy Dunn, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, learned to manage his mental health while successfully navigating entrepreneurship. He founded Bonobos and is now leading Pie, emphasizing both hard work and mental well-being. Although Dunn's fundraising for Pie was successful, overcoming stigma around discussing mental health remains a challenge.

Andy Dunn, founder of the apparel company Bonobos, has been open about his bipolar disorder diagnosis and how it impacted his entrepreneurship journey. He is now focused on leading Pie, an in-person social media venture, while prioritizing mental health through therapy, medication, and open discussions about its stigma.

Dunn’s experience underscores the complex interplay between mental health and leadership in startups. Despite the challenges of his condition, he has maintained a productive career and is an advocate for conversations around mental health, encouraging open debates in his team for better decision-making.

His work with the Founder Mental Health Pledge reflects his commitment to ensuring entrepreneurs receive the support they need without fear of judgment. With Pie raising $11.5 million in Series A funding, Dunn believes in working harder and smarter, while balancing life and mental stability.

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