YC
Should You Start A Startup? | Startup School
@ Y Combinator
11/02/22
Takeaways
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Working at a startup is the best environment to prepare yourself for becoming a startup founder in the future.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
You should consider whether you are suited to be a startup founder, as there isn't a simple test to determine this.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Many successful founders come from diverse backgrounds and possess different strengths, not just the stereotypical traits of brilliant programmers or charismatic leaders.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Your past success in school or work does not guarantee success as a startup founder, as the challenges of startups are unique and require different skills.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Resilience is the most important quality for startup founders, as it helps them push through the initial struggles and rejections.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
It's common for founders' motivations to change over time, and many who initially planned to sell their company later find enduring reasons to continue.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Your initial motivations for starting a company, such as the desire to make money or curiosity, are less important than the enduring motivations that develop over time.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
The best enduring motivations for a startup founder are genuine interest in the problem being solved and a love for the team they work with. The startup experience can significantly enhance your career opportunities, even if the startup fails.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Asking yourself 'What do I have to lose?' can help you assess whether you should start a startup by evaluating the worst-case scenario.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
If you can't handle the worst-case scenario of starting a startup, your anxiety may hinder your efforts.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Many employers actively seek candidates with startup experience, as it demonstrates self-starting abilities and initiative.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Successful companies often hire former founders to lead product divisions, leveraging their experience in building and managing products.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Career paths for startup founders are not always linear; serendipity and connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
To prepare for starting a company, focus on finding both an idea and a co-founder simultaneously, as they often develop together.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Engage in conversations with smart people about ideas and technologies to refine your thoughts and potentially find a co-founder.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Working at a startup provides insight into how startups operate and connects you with like-minded individuals who may become co-founders.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Experiment with side projects to gain experience in turning ideas into reality, even if they start small.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
It's important to enjoy the process of developing ideas and working on side projects, as this can indicate readiness to start a company.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
If you find yourself energized by side projects while feeling drained by your day job, it may be time to consider starting your own venture.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Having a co-founder who shares your passion for starting a company is a strong reason to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
Curiosity about the startup experience can be a valid motivation to begin your entrepreneurial journey.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
If you lack an idea or co-founder, start networking with smart individuals and launching small side projects to gain experience.
HT
Harj Taggar
11/02/22
@ Y Combinator
If you find a collaborator you enjoy working with on side projects, and both of you want to start a company, consider making the jump together.