Startup Success Tips from Ben Silbermann at 2012 School
This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Ben Silbermann at Startup School 2012" by Y Combinator
TLDR The key to success in starting a startup is committing to making a product work, trusting your instincts and users, and building something you love with like-minded people.
Timestamped Summary
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Starting a startup takes time and uncertainty, as shown by Pinterest's slow growth despite launching in 2010.
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04:13
Pursuing medicine to creating a program for trying on glasses online to working at Google, committing to making a product work was the important step.
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06:08
: Left job to build Tote app, faced challenges with prototype and investor rejection.
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08:31
Investors can be difficult, but offering free things can influence them, and leverage in negotiations can be gained through fear or potential success.
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11:07
Don't blindly follow successful people in venture capital, success comes from convincing others and having the right attitude, and Pinterest's success came from focusing on one special feature.
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13:50
Pinterest went through multiple iterations before launching, but their successful marketing strategy involved creating a pinboard campaign to find people who share common interests and show them how the service could be helpful to them.
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16:50
Trust your instincts and users to succeed in your business, regardless of initial misunderstandings or challenges.
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19:57
Pinterest is a popular network for finding inspiration and connecting with others, while investing in talented individuals and building something you love with like-minded people is key to success.