What Startups Are Really Like
Paul Graham went back and asked the founders of all the startups he’s funded about what surprised them about starting a startup. In other words, what did they wish they knew going in that they do now? The list is intriguing. Here are the biggest:
- Be careful with cofounders.
- Startups take over your life.
- It’s an emotional roller-coaster.
- It can be fun.
- Persistence is the key.
- Think long-term.
- Lots of little things.
- Start with something minimal.
- Engage users.
- Change your idea.
- Don’t worry about competitors.
- It’s hard to get users.
- Expect the worst with deals.
- Investors are clueless.
- You may have to play games.
- Luck is a big factor.
- The value of community.
- You get no respect.
- Things change as you grow.
Perhaps the best quip is this one, under the Persistence Is The Key category:
I’ve been surprised again and again by just how much more important persistence is than raw intelligence.
Read the whole article here. It’s worth your time.
