Y Combinator Startup Podcast
How to Build the Future: Tony Xu
Mar 26, 2025
Tony Xu, co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, shares his journey from the startup's early days to becoming the largest food delivery platform in the US. He emphasizes the importance of a long-term vision and customer obsession. The discussion includes overcoming near-death experiences, securing funding during tough times, and the critical insights gained from listening to customer needs. Xu reflects on navigating the challenges of the pandemic while expanding DoorDash into new markets and highlights the necessity of balancing digital innovation with real-world logistics.
31:32
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Quick takeaways
- Hands-on involvement in the delivery process allowed DoorDash's founders to gain crucial insights into logistics and customer needs.
- Focusing on long-term goals over short-term profits, DoorDash built trust within its community and fostered stakeholder loyalty during crises like COVID-19.
Deep dives
Becoming the Expert through Action
Gaining expertise in a field often starts with direct involvement in the work itself. The speaker highlights that engaging in hands-on experiences can quickly elevate one's understanding and proficiency. For instance, the founders of DoorDash immersed themselves in the delivery process, which helped them learn about logistics and customer needs firsthand. This approach underscores the value of practical experience over theoretical knowledge in developing expertise.
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