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Atmrix

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PG

Paul Graham

03/19/17

@ Y Combinator

What you need to succeed in a startup is not expertise in startups, but expertise in your own users.

Video

YC

Before the Startup with Paul Graham (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 3)

@ Y Combinator

Before the Startup with Paul Graham (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 3)

03/19/17

Related Takeaways

ES

Emmett Shear

04/22/17

@ Y Combinator

When starting a startup, it's crucial to talk to users rather than just relying on your own experiences, as most startups are not built solely for the founders.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

04/18/24

@ Y Combinator

Building expertise is essential when starting a startup; you need to develop your knowledge rather than rely solely on existing expertise.

PG

Paul Graham

03/19/17

@ Y Combinator

The key to success in startups is domain expertise, which comes from genuine interest rather than ulterior motives.

GT

Garry Tan

05/21/25

@ Vanta

The ability to succeed in startups is increasingly determined by founders' understanding of customer needs rather than their technical skills.

KM

Kathryn Minshew

03/13/14

@ Y Combinator

Don't believe the hype surrounding startups; focus on understanding your users and providing them with something they truly need and love.

BS

Ben Silbermann

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

There are a lot of different ways to succeed in startups; you need to trust the data, the users you have, and your own instincts about what is right for your company.

HT

Harj Taggar

11/02/22

@ Y Combinator

Your past success in school or work does not guarantee success as a startup founder, as the challenges of startups are unique and require different skills.

PG

Paul Graham

03/19/17

@ Y Combinator

You don't need to be an expert in technology to start a successful company; working on things that challenge you is more important.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

05/18/24

@ Y Combinator

You should focus on creating something that people want rather than just trying to start a startup; this mindset is crucial for success.