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Urska Srsen

06/01/16

@ Y Combinator

I was 23 when I became a founder, transitioning from studying sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki to the tech industry, which felt unconventional for someone with my background.

Video

Urska Srsen Speaks at Y Combinator Female Founder Conference 2016

@ Y Combinator

Urska Srsen Speaks at Y Combinator Female Founder Conference 2016

06/01/16

Related Takeaways

Urska Srsen

06/01/16

@ Y Combinator

Despite my art background, I followed my passion into the startup world, even though I initially felt unqualified and struggled with self-doubt.

Elizabeth Iorns

10/03/18

@ Y Combinator

When I transitioned from academia to starting a tech company, I didn't have many role models, especially in Miami, which wasn't a startup hub at the time.

Peter Thompson

03/28/25

@ EO

A friend encouraged me to join the Sloan Fellowship program at Stanford, which led me to start my entrepreneurial journey at 48 years old.

Surbhi Sarna

09/30/23

@ Y Combinator

I worked as an engineer at Abbott Vascular and a smaller startup, but I felt an urge to start my own company at 24, driven by my past health experiences.

Jeffrey Katzenberg

05/24/25

@ The Logan Bartlett Show

When I was 22, I wanted fortune and fame, so I went to Hollywood. I always looked for the best tools to realize exciting stories, partnering with tech leaders like Steve Jobs at Pixar.

Nate Blecharczyk

10/26/13

@ Y Combinator

I started programming at a young age, which built my confidence and set me on a path to entrepreneurship, showing that early experiences can be crucial for future success.

Parker Conrad

01/11/25

@ Y Combinator

After college, I worked at a biotech firm but felt the slow career progression pushed me to pursue entrepreneurship, especially after a roommate suggested we start a company together.

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

After university, I initially felt confined in the family business, so I explored other projects before returning to work on ambitious engineering projects.

Jonathan Lim

04/30/25

@ a16z

I joined a four-person startup called Halo in 2003, which was a significant leap from my previous role at McKenzie, and it felt like a leap of faith.