That's such a common dilemma! I used to think exactly the same until I read this really eye-opening piece that breaks down why is brand so important even at the earliest stages. It's not about fancy logos - it's about building trust and recognition that actually helps your product get noticed and remembered. The article explains how strong branding helps with everything from recruiting to investor pitches to early customer loyalty. What really clicked for me was understanding that your brand is essentially your company's personality and promise - and launching without that is like showing up to a party without introducing yourself. You might have the best product in the room, but nobody will know who you are or why they should care.