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Paul Graham gave a talk to college students that covered this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii1jcLg-eIQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii1jcLg-eIQ In short

by chrisa 2y ago

Paul Graham gave a talk to college students that covered this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii1jcLg-eIQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii1jcLg-eIQ In short: build things you are interested in with people who are also interested in those things. Don't call it a startup at first; just make projects.

dheera 2y ago
Yes, though this is also a privileged view. Investors don't invest in projects, they invest in businesses. Without investment, you might not have enough money to pay your next months' rent or your next hospital bill. If this doesn't apply to you and you can hack at projects without financial concerns, great, but you're already in the privileged group, like PG himself, and disconnected from the reality of 80-90% of people.
- xmlmann 2y ago
  Keep your rent low. Live with family. Cross a border if needed. Angels invest in projects.
  - dheera 2y ago
    > Keep your rent low. Sure but living in Bumblefuck, Arkansas you'll be unlikely to find a good cofounder. Oakland is cheap but you might get shot. Places with BOTH peace of mind and talented people cost money. > Live with family. Families are often toxic and unsupportive of doing startups. > Cross a border if needed. This however is actually a good suggestion if you go to the right places.
    - xmlmann 2y ago
      Agree with all of that. 2020 happened though. Why do you physically need to meet your cofounder? Maybe make a million then treat yourself to go see them!
- chrisa 2y ago
  True, though pg was talking to college students here, who are (presumably) mostly focused on classes, and have a stable living situation for 2-4 years until they graduate. That's why he says at the beginning that it's not a good idea to start a _startup_ in college (which will take over your whole life) If you're 100% focused on your startup and trying to make a living, then it's a different story, I agree.
  - dheera 2y ago
    That I agree, finding your cofounder by doing side projects while already in a stable living situation (college or employed) is a super good move.
alexissantos 2y ago
This, a thousand percent. Whether you are in college or not. Go to where people work on things you're interested in and/or build things in public and spread the word -- eventually, you'll meet people who are like minded in interest and work ethic.

by chrisa 2y ago

dheera 2y ago

Yes, though this is also a privileged view. Investors don't invest in projects, they invest in businesses. Without investment, you might not have enough money to pay your next months' rent or your next hospital bill. If this doesn't apply to you and you can hack at projects without financial concerns, great, but you're already in the privileged group, like PG himself, and disconnected from the reality of 80-90% of people.

xmlmann 2y ago
Keep your rent low. Live with family. Cross a border if needed. Angels invest in projects.
- dheera 2y ago
  > Keep your rent low. Sure but living in Bumblefuck, Arkansas you'll be unlikely to find a good cofounder. Oakland is cheap but you might get shot. Places with BOTH peace of mind and talented people cost money. > Live with family. Families are often toxic and unsupportive of doing startups. > Cross a border if needed. This however is actually a good suggestion if you go to the right places.
  - xmlmann 2y ago
    Agree with all of that. 2020 happened though. Why do you physically need to meet your cofounder? Maybe make a million then treat yourself to go see them!
chrisa 2y ago
True, though pg was talking to college students here, who are (presumably) mostly focused on classes, and have a stable living situation for 2-4 years until they graduate. That's why he says at the beginning that it's not a good idea to start a _startup_ in college (which will take over your whole life) If you're 100% focused on your startup and trying to make a living, then it's a different story, I agree.
- dheera 2y ago
  That I agree, finding your cofounder by doing side projects while already in a stable living situation (college or employed) is a super good move.

alexissantos 2y ago

This, a thousand percent. Whether you are in college or not. Go to where people work on things you're interested in and/or build things in public and spread the word -- eventually, you'll meet people who are like minded in interest and work ethic.