Taking advantage of high-leverage activities that larger companies might avoid can be a key strategy for startups to differentiate themselves.

Emphasize the unique learning opportunities at your startup, as candidates can gain real decision-making experience that they wouldn't get at larger companies.

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

Being absolutely 100% focused on your startup's mission is a significant advantage over larger companies, which often juggle multiple priorities.

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

Your startup's unfair advantage is essential for attracting investors. It should explain why your company will grow faster than competitors, and it must be related to growth potential.

My advice to founders is to build your profile as a domain expert rather than as a brand shiller, which can come off as cringe-worthy.

YC encourages startups to do things unscalably at the beginning, which is a significant competitive advantage over larger companies.

When comparing yourself as a founder, aim to emulate successful companies with significant revenue, rather than just those with high valuations.