YC
How To Deal With Setbacks
@ Y Combinator
05/26/22
Takeaways
DC
Dalton Caldwell
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
As a startup founder, I constantly faced setbacks, and it's crucial to understand that these challenges will keep happening over and over again.
DC
Dalton Caldwell
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
It's important to develop skills to identify when something bad happens, as setbacks are a natural part of being a startup founder, just like the sun rising and setting.
DC
Dalton Caldwell
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Fundraising can lead to many painful experiences, and it's common to feel wronged when expectations aren't met during the process.
MS
Michael Seibel
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
The perception that everyone else is successfully raising funds creates a warped reality, making founders feel isolated in their struggles.
MS
Michael Seibel
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Co-founder disputes can be more challenging than investor issues because they affect your home base; a strong relationship is essential to survive inevitable friction.
MS
Michael Seibel
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
The idea of a 'magical deal' can mislead founders into thinking that one significant event will solve all their problems, but often, it leads to more challenges.
MS
Michael Seibel
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Many founders believe that once they secure a deal, everything will be easy, but often, the real work begins after the deal is made.
MS
Michael Seibel
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Many founders mistakenly think that after a successful launch, their journey will be smooth sailing, but the reality is that setbacks are a constant in the startup world.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Launching quickly helps you realize that your expectations about user interest may not match reality, as most people won't care about your product initially.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
The perception of a startup launch is often distorted by movies, which portray glamorous premieres, while the reality is usually a long period of obscurity before gaining traction.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Experiencing setbacks, such as receiving negative feedback or being sued, is a normal part of running a business, and you should expect to face these challenges.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Everyone you respect in the startup world has dealt with significant setbacks, so remember that you're not alone in facing these challenges.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
You can improve your ability to handle setbacks over time, learning to manage your reactions and develop resilience in the face of adversity.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Your reaction to setbacks influences how your co-founders and employees respond to challenges, making it crucial to model a positive response.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
When facing setbacks, conduct an inventory of your situation to assess how bad it really is, which can help you realize that things may not be as dire as they seem.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/26/22
@ Y Combinator
Use setbacks as opportunities to improve your resilience and set an example for your team, as your response can uplift those around you.