Mechanism
Cold Stratification
TL;DR
Some founders need their 'cold period' of industry experience before their startup idea can germinate successfully.
Cold stratification is a dormancy mechanism requiring weeks or months near freezing before seeds will germinate. Apple seeds need 60-90 days at 1-5°C. This prevents autumn-dropped seeds from germinating immediately before winter kills them. The seed counts winter, then waits for spring warmth.
Business Application of Cold Stratification
Cold stratification in business represents required preparation time - the domain expertise, market research, and skill development that must occur before a founder is truly ready to launch. Some founders need their 'cold period' of industry experience before their startup idea can germinate successfully.