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Dalton Caldwell

02/24/23

@ Y Combinator

When advising early-stage companies, it's challenging to tell them they won't raise the funds they expect or execute their unrealistic spending plans for achieving product-market fit.

Video

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

Geoff Ralston

12/15/20

@ Y Combinator

It's crucial for startups to think harder about achieving product-market fit and to be honest about whether they have it, especially in uncertain economic times.

Michael Seibel

11/29/18

@ Y Combinator

I often have to ask founders a tough question: why does your company deserve more money after spending 1 to 2 million dollars without finding product-market fit?

Y Combinator Cast

05/20/22

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It's common for founders to want to hire an executive team prematurely, influenced by the success stories of established companies, but this can be misguided without product-market fit.

Michael Seibel

11/30/21

@ Y Combinator

Fear-based decision-making can lead founders to fundraise before their product is ready, especially if they believe their product is bad and fear failure.

Y Combinator Cast

12/17/21

@ Y Combinator

For tiny startups, investors may not fund them anyway, so it's important to say what they want to hear to capture their interest for future opportunities.

Y Combinator Cast

02/13/25

@ Y Combinator

It's crucial for founders to be honest with themselves about their spending and revenue expectations, as unrealistic assumptions can lead to financial failure.

Brad Flora

02/13/25

@ Y Combinator

Founders often overspend because they haven't realized that their product isn't what customers want yet, leading them to chase after growth without understanding their market.

Dalton Caldwell

03/22/24

@ Y Combinator

When founders present their ideas in a way that mimics large companies, they may overlook the fundamental aspects of their startup, such as customer traction and product-market fit.

Elad Gil

10/18/18

@ Y Combinator

In the early stages, companies often fail to find product market fit, which can derail their success.