SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

I love Y Combinator and New York for startups, which is why I'm here today.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

I often give the opposite advice of what people normally hear, which is why I decided to share my thoughts today.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

When raising money, it's crucial to focus on making whatever you raise last, rather than just aiming for a specific runway duration.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Founders should prioritize solving problems creatively, such as finding free space, rather than just focusing on runway.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Having co-founders isn't always necessary; some single founders can take their companies far without partners.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

It's important for co-founders to have complementary skills rather than overlapping ones to ensure a balanced team.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

I believe in taking as much time as needed to perfect your product before launching, especially in a competitive market.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

New York is a creative city that offers unique inspiration and early-stage funding opportunities, but lacks middle-stage funding compared to California.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Investors often don't know anything, and their feedback can be subjective; it's important to find the right investors who are open-minded.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

When talking to investors, research their recent deals to gauge their openness and fit for your startup.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Patterns can trap you into wanting to replicate past successes; it's essential to recognize that markets are always changing.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

It's vital to build products that meet today's needs rather than relying on outdated practices from larger companies. When starting a company, it's crucial to focus on solving today's problems while keeping a big vision in mind.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

I advise companies going to Y Combinator to leverage the connections and mentorship available there to craft growth strategies for their solid products.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Great design has become homogenized, often relying on the same templates and styles, which can make products look indistinguishable from one another.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

If you have a breakthrough product, don't worry too much about its initial design; you can always improve it later with standard templates.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Managing people effectively is essential in a startup; if you don't focus on this, it can overwhelm you as the team grows.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

It's important for startups to prioritize diversity in their teams to gain a broader perspective on their users' needs.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Founders should actively seek to hire diverse talent, including women, to ensure their products resonate with a wider audience.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

The Scarf Method is a valuable resource for understanding how to manage people effectively in a startup environment.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

It's critical to recognize the 'equinox' in your startup, the point at which you need to start making money rather than just focusing on potential.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

I encourage founders to dream big and pursue meaningful projects rather than just creating another app; authenticity in your vision is key.

SF

Shana Fisher

06/20/14

@ Y Combinator

Startups are challenging, and if you're going to embark on this journey, you need to be fully committed and passionate about your vision.

Shana Fisher at Startup School NY 2014

Takeaways