YC
Diana Hu on Augmented Reality and Building a Startup in a New Market
@ Y Combinator
08/28/19
Takeaways
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Augmented reality (AR) is a culmination of many fields, requiring expertise in computer vision, graphics, and real-time engineering to create immersive experiences.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
I believe AR is the next technology evolution, following the progression from desktop to mobile, and it will fundamentally change how we represent information.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
My first exposure to AR was engaging with reality rather than escaping it, using imagination to tell stories and represent information in a layered way.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
The magic of AR lies in its ability to make digital representations believable and integrated into our real-world experiences.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
AR is currently in the installation phase of its technology cycle, where foundational problems are being solved before applications can be fully realized.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
The deployment phase of AR will see an explosion of applications across various industries once the necessary infrastructure is in place.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Timing is a critical factor in startup success; even with a great idea and team, the right timing can significantly impact the outcome.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
The current mobile infrastructure makes it easier to build AR devices, leveraging existing supply chains for components like sensors and cameras.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Moore's Law indicates that computing power is increasing rapidly, allowing for more complex computations in smaller devices, which is essential for AR.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
The future of AR will depend on advancements in power efficiency and the ability to create applications that are data-hungry, requiring robust network connections.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
As a founder in the AR space, it's crucial to focus on core technology development, as there are many unsolved problems before moving to application development.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Finding the right investors who believe in the long-term potential of AR is essential for startups in this emerging technology space. I had to show one of the first AR multiplayer cross-platform experiences, which created a lot of buzz and helped us get noticed by investors.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Building a minimum viable product is crucial; it helps demonstrate that the technology is feasible and can generate interest from potential investors.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
When raising money in a new market, it's important to find investors who are independent thinkers and willing to take risks on unproven technologies.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
After an acquisition, it's vital to continue pursuing the original vision of the startup, as it can be a significant motivator for the team.
DH
Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Joining a larger company can feel like skipping from seed stage to series B, but it also offers opportunities to learn new skills and lead at a larger scale.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
As an immigrant, the experience of starting over in a new country can be challenging, but it also provides a unique perspective and drive to succeed.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
The U.S. offers a sense of abundance and stability that can empower immigrants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and connect with like-minded individuals.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Y Combinator is an excellent platform for startups to gain focus and direction, especially during the critical incubation stage.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Taking advantage of high-leverage activities that larger companies might avoid can be a key strategy for startups to differentiate themselves.
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Diana Hu
08/28/19
@ Y Combinator
Building relationships with batch mates in Y Combinator can lead to future opportunities, as the startup journey is not a zero-sum game.