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JL

Jessica Livingston

06/27/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

I was known to say I didn't want to fund founders I couldn't see myself having dinner with every week, as personal compatibility is important.

Video

LP

The social radar: Y Combinator’s secret weapon | Jessica Livingston (co-founder of YC, author)

@ Lenny's Podcast

The social radar: Y Combinator’s secret weapon | Jessica Livingston (co-founder of YC, author)

06/27/24

Related Takeaways

JL

Jessica Livingston

07/11/18

@ Y Combinator

It's important to find a co-founder with complementary skills but the same moral compass, as this balance was key to the success of Y Combinator.

KM

Kathryn Minshew

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

It's important to find people who share your values, as misaligned values can lead to significant issues in a startup.

PN

Pejman Nozad

03/09/18

@ Y Combinator

I believe the best founders are those who have a personal connection to the problem they are solving, rather than just chasing trends.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/18/23

@ Y Combinator

As a founder, it's important to believe the 'no' from investors but not necessarily the reasons behind it, as they often lack transparency.

MS

Michael Seibel

08/17/19

@ Y Combinator

Choosing co-founders you don't know well can be detrimental; a pre-existing relationship helps ensure you can navigate tough times together.

JL

Jessica Livingston

06/27/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

Co-founders must get along well; many startups fail due to disputes between co-founders, so I look for signs of a strong working relationship during interviews.

QY

Qasar Younis

05/15/25

@ Uncapped with Jack Altman

I believe that the best founders are often opinionated and willing to make uncomfortable decisions, which can be difficult for others to work with.

QY

Qasar Younis

05/15/25

@ Uncapped with Jack Altman

I believe that the best founders are often opinionated and willing to make uncomfortable decisions, which can be difficult for others to work with.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

06/01/16

@ Y Combinator

I look for founders who have known each other for a while and are solving a problem they personally face, as being a domain expert is crucial for success.