You have to be intense. This only comes from the CEO, this only comes from the founders.

The thing that kills startups at some level, is the founders giving up.

Just put a little pin in your mind: when you cross 50 employees, there are a new set of HR rules that you have to comply with.

If you compromise and hire someone mediocre you will always regret it.

If you're not in college and you don't know a cofounder, the next best thing I think is to go work at an interesting company.

Everyone starting a startup for the first time is scared, and everyone feels like a bit of an imposter.

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.