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Ask HN: What do you do when you find someone doing the same thing as you?
If you had been working on a startup for a few weeks, and were making significant progress, what would you do if you suddenly found someone doing nearly the same thing you were planning. This other company has funding (from big investors) and some traction (not huge though)?
That's my situation. I haven't incorporated or hired anyone or even taken money yet so I'm not in too deep yet. Do I soldier on?
- charliepark 16y agoA lot of things factor into it. Were you creating your solution because "nobody was doing it and you wanted to see someone do it"? Might make sense to back off. On the other hand, if it was because you see it as an area where you can come out with something novel, I'd stick with it. The truth is, the fact that someone else is doing something similar is a step towards validating your hypothesis that the service is needed. If you're going to let the fact that they're in the same space as you keep you from pursuing your idea, consider your dedication to it, and whether you really want to invest what it'll take to get this off the ground. You're never going to be wholly original. The question is whether you can execute well on your idea. If you're passionate about what you're building, I'd stick with it.
- zacharycohn 16y agoHow do you think your implementation compares to theirs? Competition can drive both of you to be better.
- anonaccount1234 16y agoIt is eerily similar. I do have some differences but they aren't major.