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MS

Michael Seibel

10/20/23

@ Y Combinator

It's often counterintuitive, but sometimes leaving a unicorn for a smaller company can be the smarter move in the long run.

Video

YC

Should You Quit Your Job At A Unicorn?

@ Y Combinator

10/20/23

Related Takeaways

MS

Michael Seibel

10/20/23

@ Y Combinator

The unicorn label doesn't guarantee success; critical thinking is essential when evaluating your company's future.

JC

Julien Codorniou

06/24/25

@ Stripe

The 'one employee unicorn' concept suggests that with the right infrastructure and AI, a single employee can build a large company.

PB

Paul Buchheit

03/07/18

@ Y Combinator

For a startup to be successful, it often has to be something that larger companies would dismiss as unimportant or stupid, as they wouldn't overlook obvious opportunities.

MS

Michael Seibel

10/20/23

@ Y Combinator

When evaluating whether to stay at a unicorn, assess if the company's metrics are strong, the founders are focused, and your colleagues are competent and engaged.

JL

Jessica Livingston

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Sometimes, you have to take unconventional steps to solve problems in your startup, like working in the industry you're targeting.

DH

Diana Hu

08/28/19

@ Y Combinator

Taking advantage of high-leverage activities that larger companies might avoid can be a key strategy for startups to differentiate themselves.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

05/20/22

@ Y Combinator

The smartest founders understand that a smaller team of highly skilled individuals is often more effective than a larger team of mediocre performers.

SA

Sam Altman

03/18/17

@ Y Combinator

In the early days of a startup, it's better to lose customers than to hire a sub-optimal employee, as the damage to the company can be significant.

SS

Simon Sinek

05/26/25

@ The Diary Of A CEO

When ambitions are bigger than available resources, it leads to creativity and innovation, which is often lacking in larger companies.