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Sam Altman

06/21/25

@ Y Combinator

Defensibility in startups often comes from doing something unique that others aren't pursuing. The most enduring companies typically find ways to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Video

Sam Altman: The Future of OpenAI, ChatGPT's Origins, and Building AI Hardware

@ Y Combinator

Sam Altman: The Future of OpenAI, ChatGPT's Origins, and Building AI Hardware

06/21/25

Related Takeaways

Kevin Hale

09/13/19

@ Y Combinator

Your startup should have a unique aspect or unfair advantage that demonstrates why it will grow faster than competitors.

Michael Skok

04/01/23

@ Harvard Innovation Labs

To stand out, your startup must clearly articulate how it cuts through the noise of competitors claiming to be faster, better, or cheaper.

Garry Tan

06/08/23

@ Y Combinator

You need a unique approach or reason why your startup will succeed, whether it's technology, customer relationships, or market understanding.

Will Ahmed

05/20/25

@ Chris Williamson

Many startups fail for common reasons like not finding product-market fit or burning cash too quickly, but successful companies often have unique qualities that set them apart.

Sam Altman

06/21/25

@ Y Combinator

The best startups are often not doing what everyone else is doing, which allows them time to develop their product and technology before facing competition.

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.

Sam Altman

08/30/18

@ Y Combinator

A competitive advantage is essential for startups, and founders should have a clear plan for how to achieve it over time.

Y Combinator Cast

12/26/16

@ Y Combinator

When pitching, founders need to demonstrate why their startup is the exception to the typical failure rate of startups.

Eric Migicovsky

10/13/18

@ Y Combinator

Building a great product is the most effective way to create a competitive advantage, rather than relying on patents, which are rarely successful for startups.