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JC

Jason Citron

04/29/25

@ a16z speedrun

The emotional toll of pivoting a startup is significant; it feels like a failure when you've invested so much into a product that ultimately doesn't work.

Video

as

The Untold Story of Discord: "Pivots and F*ck Ups..."

@ a16z speedrun

The Untold Story of Discord: "Pivots and F*ck Ups..."

04/29/25

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Y Combinator Cast

07/22/23

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Pivots are not just for startups that fail; in fact, many successful startups have pivoted to find their success.

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It's possible for a company to pivot too much, which can lead to getting lost in pivot hell, where every week feels like a completely new startup.

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Ron Conway

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Young founders often make the mistake of not admitting when their product isn't gaining traction. It's crucial to recognize when an idea isn't working and pivot accordingly.

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Reid Hoffman

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Pivots are essential for startups, whether it's to find product-market fit early on or to reinvent the company later for sustained success.

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Dalton Caldwell

08/30/19

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Founders often know when their idea isn't working but may try to maintain a facade of success; if you can't convince yourself, it's a good time to pivot.

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Garry Tan

05/21/25

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Recent pivots in startups often involve founders shifting from ideas they think they should pursue to those they know intimately, leading to more successful outcomes.

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Successful startups often pivot to find product-market fit, and this process is vital whether you're just starting or considering a pivot.

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Jessica Livingston

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Startups often experience dramatic ups and downs, akin to a roller coaster, and founders should be prepared for the emotional challenges that come with it.

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Katie Dill

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Every founder experiences the challenge of launching a product, focusing on other priorities, and then returning to find that the product has deteriorated over time.