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SA

Sam Altman

05/02/17

@ Y Combinator

The primary reason startups fail is that founders give up. It's crucial to manage your psychology to avoid quitting prematurely, even when faced with challenges.

Video

YC

Later Stage Advice with Sam Altman (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 20)

@ Y Combinator

Later Stage Advice with Sam Altman (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 20)

05/02/17

Related Takeaways

AM

Andrew Mason

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

Most startups go through a phase where things aren't working, and those who quit often have rational reasons; it's the ones who stick around despite the chaos that can turn things into success.

GR

Geoff Ralston

07/19/19

@ Y Combinator

Startups are incredibly difficult, and without a strong narrative to motivate you during tough times, you risk quitting and ultimately failing.

KM

Khalid Meniri

04/13/25

@ EO

It's easy to give up, but as a founder, you must not be a quitter; perseverance is essential.

ES

Emmett Shear

10/15/14

@ Y Combinator

The most important thing in startups is to stick with it and not give up, as persistence is the only way to succeed.

AC

Adora Cheung

07/31/14

@ Y Combinator

I believe that perseverance is key in startups; you only fail if you stop trying, and it's important to learn from setbacks without letting them overwhelm you.

BS

Ben Silbermann

11/09/16

@ Y Combinator

The biggest risk for a startup is the founders becoming discouraged and burning out, which can be exacerbated by tying personal worth to the company's success.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

02/10/22

@ Y Combinator

Maintaining motivation as a founder is crucial, and it's important to prepare for the challenges and criticisms that come with the startup journey.

DC

Dalton Caldwell

04/18/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

Founders often lose hope when they feel like they're failing, which can lead to giving up too soon.

DC

Dalton Caldwell

05/26/22

@ Y Combinator

As a startup founder, I constantly faced setbacks, and it's crucial to understand that these challenges will keep happening over and over again.