20th Mar 2005
Graham’s Essay On Startups
Paul Graham wrote Hackers & Painters, which I was interested in reading, way back in June 2004. It’s finally available on Safari, so I’ll plunge in this week.
I gotta thank my pal Mike Schilli, because I mentioned H&P and Safari to him, and he pointed me at an excellent essay by Paul, entitled “How to Start a Startup” I don’t agree with absolutely everything in it, but I’d go as far as to say that it’s a “must read” for anyone thinking of starting a tech company. He’s been there, and shares his experience in an enjoyable read (chock full of great advice, delivered in a matter-of-fact manner)
A few of the best bits:
- work with good people that know the area of expertise. Don’t hire business people that don’t understand the tech (”newscasters”).
- don’t hire solely to fill up holes in an org chart
- use trade shows as a means of research - chance to listen and learn from customers as to what they want
- important to get a first version out there quickly
- best odds are in niche markets
- don’t burn up startup money on flashy offices (and, location is very important - got to be a place where people want to come back after dinner)
