Ask PG: How to Start a Startup

paulgraham.com

5 pointshackerbysea5 comments

PG: This essay appears to be No. 1 result in Google search "How to startup". It is written in 2005. With your rich experience with YCombinator, are you willing to update it with a 2011 version?

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PG: This essay was written in 2005. Are you willing to update it with a 2011 version?

Can you give an example of what you think needs to be added/removed?

I'm re-reading it. It is still as insightful as I read it several years ago. I just wonder if PG is willing to add/remove/change it, considering his rich experience through YCombinator.

Well, if you "follow" PG (read latest essays + other interviews, watch Startup School videos, etc.) then you have a pretty decent idea of what changed. The only major thing I can think of is that the investment landscape is now more in the favor of the founders rather than investors. The other thing that changed is the lower bound on the age. That essay says "23", and I think that changed to "as soon as you can enter contracts on your own".

The one thing that pg does not mention in the essay during company formation having vesting is crucial. I guess everybody knows that by now...

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