The IO Podcast: Investor + Operator How YC's Garry Tan Evaluates Startups | Episode 3 of the Investor + Operator Podcast
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Sep 28, 2023 
Garry Tan, President and CEO of YCombinator, shares valuable startup advice on cofounder dynamics, paying attention to competition, healing adverse childhood experiences, users lying until they pay, and the importance of founder culture in startups. He also talks about why SF is the best place for product-market fit and the hosts discuss their takeaways.
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Missed Palantir Co-founder Chance
- Garry Tan shares how he missed the opportunity to co-found Palantir, calling it his "$200 million mistake."
- He initially declined despite Peter Thiel personally writing him a check to join, later regretting the decision deeply.
Choose Platform Or Network
- Be deliberate about your startup's path: choose either a platform or a network and focus fully on one.
- Trying to be both leads to mediocre results and lost opportunities, as Garry's experience with Posterous shows.
Choose Profitability Or Funding
- Founders must decide between aiming for profitability or raising the next funding round, especially in high interest rate climates.
- The safest route now is pursuing profitability and cash flow positivity to withstand uncertain funding conditions.