Tools

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

Tools

Explore

Videos Channels Figures

Atmrix

YC

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Superficially copying Uber's practices, like mimicking their interviews or style, doesn't lead to success; it's akin to wearing a black turtleneck and expecting to become Apple.

Video

Silicon Valley's Cargo Culting Problem

@ Y Combinator

Silicon Valley's Cargo Culting Problem

07/01/23

Related Takeaways

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Many startups superficially imitated Uber's scaling tactics without understanding the context, leading to poor outcomes.

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Blindly copying successful companies without understanding their strategies leads to failure.

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Copying successful companies without understanding their context often leads to failure, as seen with startups that blindly imitated WeWork and Zoom Pizza.

Karri Saarinen

06/05/25

@ FirstRoundCapital

Startups often make the mistake of trying to emulate other companies; instead, they should do the opposite of what competitors are doing.

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Founders should prioritize understanding what users want and learn from successful companies, rather than just copying their surface-level traits.

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

Founders should focus on creating valuable products rather than superficially copying successful companies.

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

There's a growing trend of founders copying companies that haven't succeeded yet, which is concerning for the startup ecosystem.

Y Combinator Cast

02/16/24

@ Y Combinator

Many founders mistakenly apply advice from other industries, like fashion, to software development. This can lead to poor usability and unnecessary risks that detract from the user experience.

Y Combinator Cast

07/01/23

@ Y Combinator

In classic cargo culting, the act of copying is based on the assumption that if you replicate successful elements, you will achieve the same success, without grasping the deeper reasons behind those elements.