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PG

Paul Graham

03/19/17

@ Y Combinator

To identify what matters in technology, look for interesting problems at the leading edge of innovation.

Video

YC

Before the Startup with Paul Graham (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 3)

@ Y Combinator

Before the Startup with Paul Graham (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 3)

03/19/17

Related Takeaways

YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/09/24

@ Y Combinator

Look for opportunities in the 'muck' of technology, as that's where valuable insights and innovations often lie.

O

OpenAI Cast

05/21/25

@ OpenAI

To understand where technology is headed, focus on the people making decisions and their values, rather than the technology itself.

PB

Paul Buchheit

03/07/18

@ Y Combinator

Look for startups that pursue ambitious or unconventional ideas; these often attract top talent and can lead to significant innovations.

DT

Derek Thompson

04/04/25

@ Y Combinator

Individuals should strive to work on significant problems in hard tech, robotics, and sustainable energy, as these will be the issues that matter for future generations.

JF

Jared Friedman

11/18/22

@ Y Combinator

Instead of looking for a problem to solve with a technology like AI, you should fall in love with a real problem that people care about.

PG

Paul Graham

03/19/17

@ Y Combinator

To identify real problems worth solving, focus on your interests and work on things that genuinely engage you, even if they seem trivial to others.

MZ

Mark Zuckerberg

10/25/13

@ Y Combinator

Many companies focus on small problems, but the most interesting innovations address fundamental human needs and behaviors.

DC

Dalton Caldwell

07/20/24

@ Y Combinator

It's important to recognize that the current set of technology can only address a specific set of problems, and as new technologies emerge, we must re-explore what problems can be solved.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/08/25

@ Y Combinator

Founders who stay at the forefront of technology and actively engage with new tools are better positioned to identify innovative startup ideas.