YC
How to Get and Test Startup Ideas - Michael Seibel
@ Y Combinator
04/05/19
Takeaways
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Once you identify an interesting problem that resonates with you personally, ask yourself why you are uniquely qualified to address it, focusing on your unique insights rather than traditional qualifications, as this connection can provide valuable insights.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Your startup idea doesn't have to be great to start a company; instead, focus on identifying a problem to solve.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Starting with a problem is easier than starting with an idea because it avoids immediate judgment on the idea's quality.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Having a personal connection to a problem helps you assess potential solutions and stay motivated during challenges.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
When brainstorming startup ideas, collaborating with friends can lead to diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Instead of keeping idea books, maintain a problem book to document daily challenges you or your friends encounter.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Brainstorming with friends is crucial for generating startup ideas and finding potential co-founders who share your vision.
MS
Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
After identifying an interesting problem, assess why you are uniquely qualified to tackle it, as this can guide your approach.
MS
Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) should be the first solution you build and release to test if it effectively addresses the problem.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
It's crucial not to fall in love with your MVP; it is likely to be imperfect and should be viewed as a starting point for learning.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Release your MVP quickly, as it can often be built in days or weeks, allowing you to start learning about the problem's solvability.
MS
Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Be selective about your initial users; they should be hand-picked to ensure they are genuinely interested in solving the problem you're addressing.
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Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
The goal with your MVP is not to attract a large user base but to determine if it effectively solves the problem for any specific group of customers.
MS
Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
Successful startups filter their initial users to ensure they are the right fit for the product, which helps in refining the solution.
MS
Michael Seibel
04/05/19
@ Y Combinator
The process of developing a startup involves understanding the problem, building an MVP, and gathering feedback to iterate on the solution.