Harj Taggar - Choosing a Startup to Work At | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to choose the right startup to work for based on the startup's success, the team and founders, and the passion of its early users.

Key Insights

• 🏢 Working at a startup may not be for everyone, as it entails unique experiences and often involves working more for less pay compared to big stable companies.
• 💼 College graduates seeking stability and higher pay may be better suited for big companies rather than startups.
• 💰 When choosing a startup to join, approach it like an investor and look for signs of success and growth.
• 📈 Examining a startup's user base and growth trajectory is more important than absolute numbers in determining its potential for success.
• 👥 The team, particularly the founders, plays a crucial role in the success of a startup. Look for impressive founders who have unconventional paths to success.
• 🌍 Avoid solely evaluating market size when considering a startup, as many successful startups were initially seen as operating in small markets (e.g., Airbnb).
• 🔍 Instead, focus on the core group of passionate early users to gauge the potential of a startup. If they have a deep love for the product, it's a good sign.
• 💼 Base your decision on the founders, the passion of current users, and signs of growth when considering joining a startup.

Transcript

hey everyone i'm harj i'm a partner at y combinator and i'm going to answer how do you choose a startup to work at so the first thing is to be sure you actually want to work at a startup working at a startup is not for everyone it's a very unique experience and it's totally fine if it's not your thing um paul buhay who is an early engineer at googl... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I determine if working at a startup is the right choice for me?

Working at a startup can be a unique and challenging experience, so it's important to consider if it aligns with your career goals and preferences. Reflect on whether you value stability and higher pay or are willing to take risks for growth and learning opportunities.

Q: What should I look for when evaluating a startup's success?

Instead of solely focusing on current metrics, pay attention to the growth trajectory of the startup. Look for signs of increasing user base, revenue, or other relevant metrics. This indicates the potential for career acceleration, learning opportunities, and a thriving network.

Q: How should I assess the founders and team of a startup?

Evaluate the founders based on their achievements relative to their peers, rather than traditional credentials. Look for founders who have taken unconventional paths and have shown impressive progress in building their company. Additionally, consider the quality and expertise of the team they have hired so far.

Q: Is the size of the market crucial in selecting a startup to work for?

It is not necessary to prioritize the market size when evaluating a startup. Instead, focus on the early users' passion and satisfaction with the product. A core group of enthusiastic users indicates potential for growth and success, even if the market initially seems limited.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Working at a startup may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer stability and higher pay.

• When choosing a startup, look for signs of success such as user growth and increasing metrics.

• Evaluate the founders and team based on their achievements and unconventional traits.

• Consider the passion and satisfaction of early users as an indicator of a startup's potential.