Musk, Telegram CEO Show Why Innovators Must Prepare for Inevitable Backlash

In recent weeks, we’ve seen two significant events that reflect a broader challenge for technology innovators: the suspension in Brazil of Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and the arrest of Telegram’s CEO in France, each for refusing to cooperate with governments in curbing their platform’s activity.

These developments underscore a crucial reality faced by visionaries pushing the boundaries of technology: Disruption breeds resistance. As the saying goes, “First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. And then you win.”

This cycle has played out repeatedly in the history of innovation, from the rise of the internet to the emergence of blockchain technology and increasingly with artificial intelligence. Frontier technologies often challenge established norms, threatening existing power structures, whether it’s banking incumbents’ early attempts to choke crypto, authorities battling to control social media content or legislators seeking to slow AI advances.

The opponents may have legitimate concerns. But while it’s tempting to view regulatory pushback, public criticism and legal battles as signs of failure, they are, more often than not, evidence of progress.

The Fight Is a Rite of Passage for Innovators

When you invent something transformative, you are bound to encounter some ridicule initially because few will be able to share your vision. But as you gain traction this gives way to skepticism and opposition. This can veer into open hostility when entrenched interests are under threat. For innovators, this “fight stage” is not just inevitable—it’s a rite of passage. Governments, competitors and sometimes even consumers resist what they do not fully understand. As we’ve seen with X and Telegram, the pushback can be severe, often characterized by legal challenges, regulatory scrutiny and public relations battles.

For years, I have worked with founders of fast-growth tech startups across industries such as Web3, AI and spatial computing, and the common mistake I’ve seen innovators make is underestimating the power and reach of this opposition. They often believe that their technology’s value will speak for itself, that the brilliance of their ideas will naturally win over the skeptics.

But history teaches us that this is rarely the case. The fight stage is not just about defending your invention; it’s about defending your vision, your values and your reputation.

Establish Your Vision Early: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

To navigate the inevitable fight stage successfully, founders and innovators must be proactive from the outset. The time to build your reputation and communicate your vision isn’t when the criticism starts—it’s long before. It’s crucial to educate your audience about the benefits of your technology and the values that drive your company.

1. Tell your story: From the moment you launch, establish a clear narrative about who you are, what you stand for and why your innovation matters. This narrative will serve as a foundation during times of scrutiny, helping to contextualize your actions and decisions in the eyes of the public.

2. Engage with stakeholders: Building relationships with stakeholders—regulators, media and the broader community—can pay dividends when resistance arises. These relationships can provide a buffer, offering you opportunities to influence perceptions and guide the conversation.

3. Stay transparent and authentic: When faced with criticism, many companies retreat, hoping the storm will pass. This approach rarely works. Instead, be transparent about your challenges and authentic in your responses. This openness can turn critics into advocates and build trust with your audience.

4. Demonstrate the positive impact: Continually communicate the real-world benefits of your innovation. Whether it’s improving access to information, democratizing finance or enhancing digital security, make sure the positive impacts of your work are front and center in your messaging.

Preparing for the Fight Is Preparing for Success

In today’s world, being a visionary isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about having the resilience and foresight to navigate the inevitable resistance. Remember, the fight stage is not a sign that you’re doing something wrong; it’s a sign that you’re on to something important. For innovators, it’s crucial to anticipate the areas of resistance and prepare by communicating your vision and values clearly from the start.

The X and Telegram headlines remind us that even the most groundbreaking technologies and ideas will face their moment of reckoning. But with the right preparation, communication and a strong sense of purpose, you can not only survive the fight—you can emerge stronger and poised to lead the next phase of innovation.

By embracing this reality, you can turn the fight into an opportunity to solidify your place as a leader in your field, ensuring that when the dust settles, your vision doesn’t just survive—it thrives. And that’s when you win.

Saul Hudson is a managing partner at Angle42, a strategic communications agency for fast-growing startups in the Web3, AI and other emerging technology industries.