I’ve been trying for many years to build a startup. I hope my 2–3 years of learning can benefit you.

[Part 1 — Some information about Startups]

Building a startup allows for three things to happen.

1. Fail & gain experience
2. Get bought out by a more experienced company
3. Grow so big your company’s name becomes a new expression (i.e., “The next Uber, Google, etc.”)

Regardless of whatever happens, you’re gaining something. I tell myself one of these two things:

1. “Inaction is as bad as purposefully harming progress.”
2. “Do what you can; JUST KEEP MOVING.”

Noticing the problem is easy, but understanding your solution is difficult. From my experience, I pondered how my current solution is solving a particular problem. You have to look for imperfections, regardless if it hurts your fragile ego to realize you’ve thought up of a silly solution.

Copying another solution might not be wrong; at the end of the day, don’t reinvent the wheel but reinvent the material.

What you need to focus on is what you bring to the table; your team and product are the two initial factors they use. VC’s will always analyze your team, and this is a third of their decision. Anyone could solve your problem unless you have a Ph.D. in Data Science and Marine Biology; you’re probably just aiming to be first to market.

That is why your team is such a huge factor; they’re deciding if you’re the right people to invest in. VC’s are nothing like Shark Tank. Instead, they’re amongst the most supportive asset to your business.

[Step 1] Identify a problem

You find a problem only through exposure. Start by joining a new group or workforce, find inefficiencies & work towards solving them. If you can, travel & drastically change your environment.

You don’t find problems, instead they find you

[Step 2] Work at solving it

Your solution doesn’t have to jump into production, even just an idea is enough. Regardless of what you can do, you should at least write your solution on a piece of napkin. You must always keep this problem on your mind; for me, it was something I thought about for months.

When you start to doubt your idea, ask yourself if it is because you’re not progressing or you’re incapable of thinking of a better solution. DON’T LET YOUR SKILLS LIMIT YOU. You can always learn to code, but you can never turn back time.

Your studying or earning a degree counts as progress, including taking care of yourself. I count a month’s break as progress because you’re growing to become a founder.

[Step 3] Build your product

If you’ve seen Y Combinator’s videos, you’ll know they’ve accepted companies at the idea stage. Even if you mail them that napkin with your solution, some programs will see the potential as long as you do.

You don’t have to be an engineer, but don’t expect to be funded based solely on “passion.” You’re entering an environment where merit, money, and your ability to take as many hits as possible is what matters.

Best of luck ya’ll 🚀!

Resources

Y Combinator — They have amazing talks & material to get started

YC’s Startup School — This is a great place to learn in a school type environment. Make sure to apply to the $15K non-equity grant 🤑!

The Lean Startup (Book) — I’m not so keen on holding this as an amazing resource, but if you’re completely lost & need to set your foundation; this might be the book for you

Meeting new people — Don’t worry, Startup School will make sure you’re exposed to other founders. Keep on building your network, this is vital to your success!