Bonobos founder Andy Dunn is back in the startup scene with a new venture, Pie, an in-person social media platform. However, his latest endeavor is not the only thing he's been working on. Dunn has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder, and how it affected his time at Bonobos.

In a recent talk at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Dunn shared his experiences with bipolar disorder, including a hospitalization in 2016 that prompted him to take his condition seriously. He has since written a book, "Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind," which documents his journey as an entrepreneur and his struggles with mental health.

Dunn's story serves as a reminder that mental health is crucial for entrepreneurs, who often report higher incidence of mental health issues. He notes that there is a correlation between neurodivergence and creativity, but also acknowledges the risks of ignoring mental health. Despite the challenges, Dunn's new venture, Pie, has just raised $11.5 million in Series A funding, showing that openness about mental health doesn't have to be a barrier to success.

Dunn's advocacy for mental health in the startup community is significant, as it encourages founders to prioritize their well-being and seek support when needed. His story also highlights the importance of investors supporting the mental health of the founders they invest in.

As Dunn navigates his new venture, he is committed to prioritizing his own mental health and that of his team, recognizing that a 40-hour workweek is not sufficient to change the world. His approach serves as a model for entrepreneurs who want to achieve success without sacrificing their stability.