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Jessica Livingston

07/25/17

@ Y Combinator

The most common path for really big startups involves founders working on ideas that seem unpromising at first but blossom into something significant, driven by their commitment and vision.

Video

Jessica Livingston - What's Different about "Unicorns"

@ Y Combinator

Jessica Livingston - What's Different about "Unicorns"

07/25/17

Related Takeaways

Y Combinator Cast

02/08/25

@ Y Combinator

Founders should aim to think bigger when starting a startup, as many begin with small, inconsequential ideas. By expanding their vision, they can create solutions that significantly impact the world.

Jessica Livingston

07/25/17

@ Y Combinator

The founders of most successful startups often don't realize early on how big they're going to get; they work on something they themselves want and hope that many others will want it too.

Jessica Livingston

07/25/17

@ Y Combinator

Founders of really huge startups are exceptionally driven and often see their company as their life's work, making them unwilling to sell or be acquired.

Jessica Livingston

07/11/18

@ Y Combinator

Successful startups often grow organically from the founders' lives, and many people have unique combinations of abilities and interests that can lead to startup success.

Jessica Livingston

07/25/17

@ Y Combinator

Most of the really big startup ideas seemed dubious at first, and you need to be independent-minded and not care what others think to work on these initially unpromising ideas.

Y Combinator Cast

02/08/25

@ Y Combinator

Founders often gravitate towards easy-to-build startup ideas, but the best ideas are usually more ambitious and challenging to execute.

Paul Buchheit

03/07/18

@ Y Combinator

Look for startups that pursue ambitious or unconventional ideas; these often attract top talent and can lead to significant innovations.

Y Combinator Cast

05/18/24

@ Y Combinator

While many startups may not succeed, they are often just one decision away from significant breakthroughs, unlike working on projects in large companies that may never see the light of day.

Blake Scholl

02/15/25

@ Y Combinator

Founders don't need to be limited by their formal credentials; the most ambitious startup ideas can often be surprisingly achievable and may be hiding in plain sight.