Tools

Search

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

About

Tools

Search

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

About

JR

Jeremy Rossmann

06/20/19

@ Y Combinator

Understanding whether you are 'default dead' or 'default alive' is crucial for startup founders to ensure their company remains viable.

Video

YC

Jeremy Rossmann of Make School on Income Share Agreements and the Future of College

@ Y Combinator

Jeremy Rossmann of Make School on Income Share Agreements and the Future of College

06/20/19

Related Takeaways

DC

Dalton Caldwell

05/07/22

@ Y Combinator

The concept of 'default alive or default dead' forces founders to be honest about their startup's survival.

MS

Michael Seibel

05/07/22

@ Y Combinator

When you're default dead, failing to raise funds can lead to the end of your business, while default alive gives you more margin for error.

MS

Michael Seibel

05/07/22

@ Y Combinator

When you're default alive, you have control over your company's future, unlike when you're default dead and reliant on outside funding.

GR

Geoff Ralston

12/15/20

@ Y Combinator

Startups should focus on being 'default alive', meaning they should aim to survive without needing to raise more money.

GR

Geoff Ralston

12/15/20

@ Y Combinator

Startups should prioritize generating revenue as early as possible to ensure they can survive in uncertain conditions, which is a key aspect of being 'default alive'.

GT

Garry Tan

06/08/23

@ Y Combinator

As a founder, you might reach a moment when you realize your startup is going to fail, and it's crucial to face that truth instead of living in denial.

JH

Jensen Huang

06/24/11

@ Stanford Online

In the early days of a startup, survival is crucial; as CEO, you're either making money, saving money, or raising money.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/21/25

@ Y Combinator

It's important to recognize that disagreements in a startup can feel life-or-death, but often they are not as critical as they seem in the moment.

KM

Kat Mañalac

02/10/23

@ Y Combinator

If you take too long to launch your product, your startup may be dead before you get another chance to do so.