Tools

Search

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

About

Tools

Search

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

About

DH

Drew Houston

02/24/17

@ Y Combinator

Going public introduces operational overhead due to compliance and regulatory requirements, which can distract from focusing on customers and products.

Video

YC

Drew Houston : How to Build the Future

@ Y Combinator

02/24/17

Related Takeaways

AM

Andrew Mason

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

Going public is awful; it consumes a significant amount of your time and diverts focus from building a great company.

PS

Peter Singlehurst

03/19/25

@ 20VC with Harry Stebbings

There are good reasons for going public, such as providing liquidity for employees and having a public currency for acquisitions.

PS

Peter Singlehurst

03/19/25

@ 20VC with Harry Stebbings

It's really hard to be a public company due to reporting requirements and misaligned shareholder interests.

DH

Drew Houston

02/24/17

@ Y Combinator

Deciding whether to stay private or go public is primarily a financing decision, influenced by the need for liquidity among employees and investors.

BT

Bret Taylor

05/08/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Many startups waste resources on non-core activities, which detracts from their ability to focus on selling products and differentiating themselves in the market.

AM

Andrew Mason

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

I advise founders to avoid going public as long as possible, as it can hinder your ability to focus on long-term success.

Lv

Luis von Ahn

12/01/23

@ The Logan Bartlett Show

Going public has elevated Duolingo's operations, forcing us to operate at a higher level and maintain a cleaner organizational structure.

PB

Paul Buchheit

03/07/18

@ Y Combinator

Having too much funding can be a liability, as it may lead founders to avoid engaging with customers and reality, which can hinder their success.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/23/24

@ Y Combinator

Public market companies must deliver consistent earnings, as missing a report can lead to stock declines and employee unrest, which distracts from long-term goals.