I Always Figure It Out. I Never Give Up.
Altman: What makes really great founders special? Two phrases come to mind — what our top 10 most successful founders would have said about themselves at YC: 'I always figure it out' and 'I never give up.'
Everyone thinks what matters is how smart they are, or their domain expertise, or their network. It really is this personality trait. Determination. Relentlessly resourceful, as Paul Graham calls it. This is the rare and limiting trait. The good news — I think people can learn it.
'I always figure it out and I never give up.' That's what the best founders say about themselves.
Focus, Self-Belief, Personal Connections
Altman: Three things we've observed about how successful founders get things done. Focus — relentless focus, blinders on, not distracted by shiny objects. Self-belief — because momentum is this crazily self-fulfilling prophecy. And personal connections — can they recruit and retain a world-class team? Can they sell the product? Can they raise money?
And clear communication. Almost all the best startups — from the very first time we met those founders — they could concisely and clearly communicate what they were doing in about 25 words. Founders who aren't good at this don't go on to be successful.
The best founders explain what they're doing in 25 words. Founders who can't do this don't succeed.
Start the Hard Startup
Altman: It is easier to start a hard startup than an easy startup. You need a startup that's going to be inspiring. That people want to help you with. If you're another startup that fades into the noise and no one really cares — it's just not exciting. Nobody wants to contribute their energy to it.
Recruiting the 20th employee is really hard. You need an exciting vision. And you need to be good at communication and personal relationships.
It's easier to start a hard startup. Nobody wants to contribute their energy to something that fades into noise.