YC
The Problem With Startup "Experts"
@ Y Combinator
08/07/24
Takeaways
DC
Dalton Caldwell
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
It's much harder for me as a Y Combinator partner to help someone who has followed questionable advice and dug themselves into a deep hole than to assist someone starting fresh with a blank slate.
DC
Dalton Caldwell
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Founders who know very little about startup advice often avoid developing bad habits or strange ideas about how to run a startup, which can be beneficial.
DC
Dalton Caldwell
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
The idea that a founder should immediately gather a board of advisors is often a strange notion that doesn't occur to many new entrepreneurs.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
When founders receive wrong advice, they create a flawed mental model of the startup world, making it harder for them to unlearn those misconceptions later.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Many startup ecosystems exist primarily to stimulate the local economy, which can lead to advice that discourages founders from leaving those areas to pursue larger opportunities.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Getting startup advice from individuals who have only worked at large companies or who have never been involved in a startup can be misleading and unhelpful.
MS
Michael Seibel
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Talking to advisors about the challenges of running a startup is not just about tactics; it's also about seeking emotional support and understanding that the journey can be tough.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
When seeking startup advice, it's crucial to have supportive people in your life, like friends or family, but they may not provide the specific startup guidance you need.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
In today's digital age, online resources can offer better startup advice than local sources, even if the local advice isn't great.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
It's often better to have no advice than to receive bad advice, as the latter can lead to misguided expectations and disappointment.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Many local startup advisors may be tied to large companies, which can lead to misaligned motivations and ineffective guidance for startups.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
The Bay Area has a high density of experienced individuals who have successfully navigated the startup landscape, making it a valuable place for entrepreneurs seeking advice.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Good advice often emphasizes talking to customers and building great products, rather than getting caught up in complex strategies or networking.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
Investors in the Bay Area tend to be more optimistic because they have seen startups succeed, which can positively influence your own outlook on your venture.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
08/07/24
@ Y Combinator
It's important to seek out inspiring advice that encourages building and creating, rather than getting bogged down in corporate strategies that may not resonate with your goals.