The most common mistake founders make is building something that doesn't solve a real problem for users, often resulting in a solution in search of a problem.

At Y Combinator, we advise against starting with a solution in search of a problem. Instead, focus on identifying real problems that need solving, which will lead to more efficient growth.

Building a startup is not about building a product; it's about solving a problem.

The core of building products involves identifying a user problem, applying technology to solve it, and finding the right audience for that solution.

You need to think outside the box when building a startup and find ways to solve problems that competitors are not addressing.

It's crucial to personally want the solution you are building and to know others who want it as well; otherwise, you risk creating something that nobody cares about.

If you know a problem exists but haven't found a solution, it may not be clear that design can solve it. Sometimes, the issue could be a business or technology problem rather than a design problem.

I learned that if you sell the implementation of a solution rather than the problem it solves, you won't convince users that you've addressed their needs effectively.

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.