I don’t think anyone seriously is concerned that your startups died in this environment. It’s fairly normative. Half the industry took a hit. Heck half of those people think it has something to do with them.

Just focus on what you’re contributing to the next gig and move on.

Ps I know this is true because I am having the same dumb insecure thoughts.

I got stuck in a “you should” sales mode instead of “what problem do you have and can I solve it”. It doesn’t matter how I got into this bad habit. It’s far better to listen and be responsive.