Wait to start a startup until you come up with an idea that you feel compelled to explore.

It's really easy to get PR with no results & it actually feels like you're really actually cool, but in a year you'll still have nothing.

A small communication breakdown is enough for everyone to be working on slightly different things. And then you loose focus.

There are exceptions of course, but most companies start with a great idea - not a pivot.

The most common post YC failure case for the companies we fund, is they're incredibly focussed during YC on their company... and after they start doing a lot of other things. They advise companies, they go to conferences, whatever.

... the thing we see wrong with YC apps most frequently, is that people have not thought about the market first and what people want first.

We talk to a team they've gotten new things done, that's the best predictor we have that a company will be successful.