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PG

Paul Graham

03/19/17

@ Y Combinator

Young founders often go through the motions of starting a startup without focusing on the essential task of making something people want.

Video

YC

Before the Startup with Paul Graham (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 3)

@ Y Combinator

Before the Startup with Paul Graham (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 3)

03/19/17

Related Takeaways

MS

Michael Seibel

08/17/19

@ Y Combinator

First-time founders often make the mistake of solving problems they don't care about, which can lead to a loss of motivation and ultimately failure.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

12/27/24

@ Y Combinator

It's essential for founders to focus on creating something that people genuinely want, rather than getting sidetracked by other operational challenges.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/25

@ Y Combinator

Young founders often prioritize what investors want over solving problems they genuinely care about, which can hinder their potential.

DC

Dalton Caldwell

04/18/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

Many founders mistakenly focus on complex growth strategies instead of simply getting their first customer and validating their idea.

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Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Startups often focus on superficial aspects, like logos and fundraising tactics, rather than addressing the actual needs of users.

MS

Michael Seibel

08/17/19

@ Y Combinator

Startups often prioritize superficial aspects like press and hiring over the fundamental work of getting the product into users' hands and iterating based on feedback.

JL

Jessica Livingston

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

The biggest cause of startup failure is not creating something that people want, which often leads to founders losing momentum and focus on their original vision.

JF

Jared Friedman

11/18/22

@ Y Combinator

Many founders jump into the first idea they have without considering if it would make a good business, while others wait for the perfect idea that never comes, leading to inaction.

JL

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.