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YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/27/22

@ Y Combinator

Many startups think they can rely solely on self-serve flows and ads for sales, but this approach often overlooks the need for direct sales efforts and effective messaging.

Video

The Better Customer–Startups or Big Enterprise?

@ Y Combinator

The Better Customer–Startups or Big Enterprise?

08/27/22

Related Takeaways

Gustaf Alströmer

12/30/22

@ Y Combinator

Most founders fail to do enough outreach, leading them to incorrectly conclude that sales isn't working for them.

Y Combinator Cast

08/27/22

@ Y Combinator

Building a great product is important, but startups must also focus on how to acquire customers effectively; a self-service interface alone is not a sufficient strategy.

Brad Flora

07/08/22

@ Y Combinator

Many founders mistakenly believe that spending on marketing, especially through ads, will guarantee growth, but this often leads to wasted resources without learning valuable lessons.

Brad Flora

08/27/22

@ Y Combinator

Founders sometimes mistakenly believe they should sell to startups just because other successful companies did, without understanding the unique challenges involved.

Gustaf Alströmer

12/30/22

@ Y Combinator

Startups don't take off by themselves; founders must actively recruit customers and drive growth manually instead of relying solely on advertising.

Des Traynor

12/13/17

@ Y Combinator

If you're going to charge for a product, it needs to be self-serve and frictionless for users. Many startups fail because they rely too heavily on founder involvement for customer acquisition.

Y Combinator Cast

08/27/22

@ Y Combinator

Founders with a product background may avoid sales, mistakenly believing they can run their startup like a game without engaging in selling or influencing potential customers.

Y Combinator Cast

02/13/25

@ Y Combinator

Spending money on ads at an early stage can be tempting, but it often leads to outsourcing customer understanding instead of building direct relationships with them.

Gustaf Alströmer

12/30/22

@ Y Combinator

The initial sales motion for many successful startups often involves sending personalized outreach emails to potential customers.