How to Build the Future? - Jessica Livingston

Most successful founders are totally focused on:

1. Building their product
2. Talking to their users

Be hyper-focused. Avoid distractions like:

• Talking with companies
• Meeting with investors when not fundraising
• Spending on PR without a built product
• Going to conferences

All successful founders have big plans, and no one can predict how big they will be.

Let's build this product (solve your problem) and see where it goes, while having the grand vision.

Just get started. YC funds companies based on the founders' attributes:

• Determination
• Ability to ship
• Domain expertise

Many don't get the idea right the first time, but your idea will always evolve.

Airbnb

In 2008, a rough time for startups, with investors pulling out and fear all around.

Paul, during the interview, tried to change the idea; they knew they were onto something.

Using your own product provides insights no one else has. It's a wonderful experience to have hosts on Airbnb.

YC bet on the three founders, not the original Airbnb idea.

Great Founders

If you lack connections, find them. Be determined.

What separates the best founders from mediocres is:

• Determination (most important)
• Understanding your users (build a good user experience)
• Avoiding distractions
• Flexibility (try different things)
• Convincing and leadership skills

How YC Started?

Easy application, quick interview, and same-day decisions.

Funding startups in batches is incredibly powerful.

A supportive atmosphere where all founders come together.

Do something people like and iterate.

Unglamorous work is essential for all founders.

Funding People

Justin (Twitch) went through YC three times before building Twitch.

Having a pre-existing relationship as co-founders is crucial; solo founding is extremely hard.

Know your co-founder well; the relationship will be stressed, akin to a marriage.

If you're building something great, expect to get copied.

YC has always been founder-friendly, never aiming to maximize profits or squeeze deals.

Don't be driven solely by money to be the most successful founder.

Paul Graham excels at giving startup advice.

For those interested in starting a startup, learning to code is valuable.

Build things, solve your own problems.

Consider working in an early-stage startup.