Thread by @garrytan

When choosing a startup idea, you must be able to check either of these boxes

[ ] Truly novel (nobody else has tried)
[ ] 10X better product

The absolute best check both. 99% of startups check neither.

A good pitch is sometimes a strong story explaining how to get the 1st ☑️

One thing I am starting to realize is if you can’t get either, the founder is better off cutting burn and starting over (or shutting down)

One of the hardest convos in the life of any startup

Sometimes you just know. But sometimes your friends have to nudge you. Never easy.

Caveat: 10X better go to market can frequently beat 10X product

I wish finding new ideas were like starting fires, but they're not. I can't describe a repeatable process. The world, its problems, and the solutions it demands changes too quickly.

I do know the best problems to solve are from your own direct experience.

You have to see something other people haven’t seen in order to do something that hasn’t been done before.

If you don't have a problem to solve now, go get more life experience in unique things you are interested in. Go follow or work on products you are fascinated by and love.

Become great at doing something— design, product, engineering, people management, recruiting, marketing, buying ads, cold calling people, negotiating contracts

Often honing the craft itself will reveal that thing others haven't seen!