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JL

Jessica Livingston

06/27/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

I look for signs of commitment from founders, such as whether they are ready to quit their jobs to focus on their startup.

Video

LP

The social radar: Y Combinator’s secret weapon | Jessica Livingston (co-founder of YC, author)

@ Lenny's Podcast

The social radar: Y Combinator’s secret weapon | Jessica Livingston (co-founder of YC, author)

06/27/24

Related Takeaways

YC

Y Combinator Cast

01/03/17

@ Y Combinator

I look for evidence that founders are action-oriented and have actually built something, rather than just asking for permission to work on their startup.

GR

Geoff Ralston

02/07/18

@ Y Combinator

When assessing a startup, I look for the founder's passion and resilience, as these traits are crucial for overcoming challenges in building a company.

JL

Jessica Livingston

06/27/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

Commitment is essential; founders need to be prepared to leave their jobs and fully dedicate themselves to their startup to succeed.

DC

Dalton Caldwell

05/13/23

@ Y Combinator

Evidence of seriousness in founders can include leaving a job to work full-time on their startup or showing progress in multiple applications.

PB

Paul Buchheit

03/07/18

@ Y Combinator

When evaluating founders, I look for their willingness to act decisively and quickly, rather than delaying for complex plans.

JL

Jessica Livingston

06/27/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

I often look for founders who are scrappy and demonstrate hustle, as this is crucial for startup success.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

09/18/18

@ Y Combinator

I look for founders who can share their background and story, as it often reveals their grit and determination.

JL

Jessica Livingston

06/27/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

Co-founders must get along well; many startups fail due to disputes between co-founders, so I look for signs of a strong working relationship during interviews.

KN

Kirsty Nathoo

04/28/17

@ Y Combinator

Investors prefer companies where founders are committed and cannot easily quit while retaining a large equity stake, as this reduces risk for their investment.