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MS

Michael Seibel

02/24/23

@ Y Combinator

Sharing bad news, like having only two months of runway, can actually motivate great startup employees to engage and find solutions together.

Video

YC

The Hard Conversations Founders Don't Want to Have

@ Y Combinator

The Hard Conversations Founders Don't Want to Have

02/24/23

Related Takeaways

SA

Sam Altman

05/02/17

@ Y Combinator

When a startup is failing, it's important to communicate openly with investors and ensure that employees are not left in the dark.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

01/27/22

@ Y Combinator

When a startup's runway decreases to about 12 months, founders often start making better decisions as they face pressure to perform.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/24/15

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Transparency with your team during fundraising is crucial. Sharing both good and bad news helps maintain trust and keeps everyone aligned on the company's goals.

TP

Tom Preston-Werner

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Having shared ideas and good communication among co-founders is vital for pushing a startup forward.

DL

Daniel Lereya

04/27/25

@ Lenny's Podcast

The most counterintuitive lesson I've learned is that sharing information openly with the team fosters a sense of partnership and collective ownership, rather than demoralizing them during tough times.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/24/15

@ Y Combinator

Exposure is essential for startups. Communicating regularly about your progress and challenges can be effective, even if you feel your product isn't perfect yet.

MS

Michael Seibel

02/24/23

@ Y Combinator

Good startup employees want honesty and transparency about the company's situation. They understand the challenges and want to know how they can contribute to improving outcomes.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

01/03/17

@ Y Combinator

It's important to have trusted people to talk to about challenges in your startup journey, rather than feeling isolated in your struggles.

MS

Michael Seibel

06/07/19

@ Y Combinator

Being more generous with equity for co-founders is beneficial, as it fosters long-term motivation to stay committed to the startup, especially during challenging times.