Tools

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

Tools

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

RH

Reid Hoffman

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

I believe that if you have a strong conviction about an idea at the back-of-the-napkin stage, you might be deluding yourself, but that self-delusion can be a positive trait for entrepreneurs.

Video

Reid Hoffman at Startup School SV 2014

@ Y Combinator

Reid Hoffman at Startup School SV 2014

10/15/14

Related Takeaways

Elli Sharef

03/13/14

@ Y Combinator

Believing in your idea is essential to get through the hard days of entrepreneurship.

Bipul Sinha

06/06/25

@ The Logan Bartlett Show

When starting a company, it's essential to have a strong belief in your non-consensus ideas, as they often lead to significant market advantages.

David Senra

12/17/24

@ Chris Williamson

The belief that you can create something valuable is essential; it drives action and innovation, even in the face of self-doubt.

Mark Cuban

03/30/24

@ Lex Fridman

There's a delusional aspect to entrepreneurship; you have to set aside reality to believe you can create a billion-dollar company.

Theodoric Chew

04/21/25

@ EO

Having a mix of ambition and naivety can empower entrepreneurs to take bold steps that they might not otherwise consider.

Joshua Lu

05/12/25

@ a16z speedrun

As an entrepreneur, you must believe in your idea even when others do not, and sometimes you have to will your vision into existence despite external resistance.

Theodoric Chew

04/21/25

@ EO

Having a huge amount of ambition and a good amount of naivety helps entrepreneurs get started; that dreamer within you enables bolder actions that others might avoid.

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Founders often need to build conviction in their own ideas before seeking validation from others, including investors.

Ron Conway

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

Persistence and conviction about your idea are crucial, as many ideas that initially seem bad can end up being huge successes.