Y Combinator Startup Podcast

How To Compete With Amazon and Google

14 snips
Jan 18, 2023
The discussion dives deep into the fears that startups face when competing with giants like Amazon and Google. Founders are encouraged to focus on their own product development rather than getting tangled in competitor analysis. Anecdotes from Twitch illustrate the importance of understanding customer needs over worrying about rivals. Strategies from companies like Snap and Instacart showcase how excellence in product quality can enable smaller players to flourish despite industry behemoths. Maintaining a positive mindset is key to navigating these competitive landscapes.
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INSIGHT

Fear of Competition

  • Founders often lose initial excitement and become overly worried about competitors.
  • This fear can be paralyzing and shift focus away from building a successful company.
ADVICE

Focus on Your Customers

  • Focus on your own customers and product, not your competitors.
  • Avoid blindly copying competitors; use a first-principles approach to building your company.
INSIGHT

Most Startups Fail

  • Most startups fail, including competitors; focus on building something people want.
  • Multiple winners can exist in many markets; don't assume a single competitor shuts down the market.
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