The Student's Guide To Becoming A Successful Startup Founder

If you're a high school or college student with big dreams of starting your own company, this video is for you. Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel, two startup founders who started in the early 20s and are now top investors, sit down to share the hard-won advice they wish they had known back in high school.
Whether you're already running your own startup or just have an idea you can't stop thinking about, Caldwell and Seibel will discuss the skills you need to learn now and how to set yourself up for success after graduating school. Their stories will give you a glimpse of what's truly possible at the intersection of ambition and opportunity in in today's world. This is a masterclass in entrepreneurship for the next generation.
Apply to Y Combinator: yc.link/DandM-apply
Work at a Startup: yc.link/DandM-jobs
Chapters (Powered by bit.ly/chapterme) -
00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Delayed Gratification
02:23 - Learn to Code
04:17 - Learn Design
04:52 - Launch Products
06:49 - Make Friends
08:04 - School Sandbox
09:13 - Learn To Care
11:20 - Credential Game
13:35 - Fads That Stick
15:42 - Be Excited
17:50 - Be Honest
20:08 - Love The Long Games
23:46 - Live Your Dream

[@ycombinator]

Students! What are you interested in building?

[@murthyharshith]

Building a crowd management solution - order predictive models for restaurant owners helping them get faster orders n optimise inventory Would love to have a quick chat with you people! Would be my absolute honor (And if you're reading tthis til here I love you ❤️ and u guys have changed my life - with Love from India)

[@iuc7254]

I just want to work on something just like Dr Stephen Wolfram's wolfram alpha, which is so much work no one else will want to do it😅

[@zigakovacic]

AGI will do the design and coding it seems so I'm interested in building high level knowledge in maths/cs and research in those areas.

[@JoseGarcia-yp9mr]

Ai and creativity, broad distribution has enabled us the creatives to have a super partner, but still a long way to go!

[@funkymonkey7202]

Robots so that AI can not only do my bidding in the online world but also the real world. Don't wanna be caught trying to mine gold when I could be selling shovels

[@arik_dev]

4:10 I learned to code when I was 27 and I'm a 32 year old dev and founder now. It's never too late.

[@agadamary3841]

Thank you so much...Mary from Nigeria

[@agadamary3841]

Thank you so much...Mary from Nigeria

[@saminchowdhury7995]

keep moving forward man. you rock

[@jashuabat1785]

thank you for this

[@reprovedcandy]

My first startup was a SaaS business. I had NO technical experience at all. I had $20K to invest and tried to hire devs for my MVP and saw that money circle the drain with nothing to show blazingly fast. I was 23 at the time and decided to take 2 years and learn everything I could possibly learn about full stack development. I can't even begin to express how valuable that experience has been. My second startup was recently acquired and I have another I'm about to start. The other day I realized all the things I'm working on for this 3rd startup are focused on the business itself, I barely have to think about the technical challenges anymore. So, to anyone thinking "Hmm should I learn to code?" - yes. Just, yes. Do it and thank yourself (/me?) later.

[@0x--]

Hope you anserwn this: From where did you start?

[@muddadasiva6696]

what if we are not from a technical background

[@Sanyu-Tumusiime]

doesn't matter! you can learn anything.@@muddadasiva6696

[@ishatariq9422]

i really really want to save this comment and want to thank or ---- later

[@Friday4]

@@muddadasiva6696You can learn to have technical skills. Technical skills are not genes, you can learn and train to acquire any skills you desire and need to accomplish your goal.

[@minc33]

I love these guys. I wish I could adopt them as my uncles.

[@ycombinator]

Close enough: www.ycombinator.com/apply

[@carlosbraga9381]

@@ycombinator 🤣

[@KahlilAshanti]

'the way you get better at it is you suck at it first' -told my kids that this morning about their coding journey. so true! (for any skill)

[@Whostanvir]

The life lessons Michael and Dalton provide are really helpful beside startup lessons. They are helping future founders to be better people too!!!

[@ayoungdev1793]

It’s so funny I’ve been listening to this on repeat all day while working. Today we had a move-in scheduled, but a lot of things were still messed up in the house. As a project manager usually I hire this out to contractors but today I decided to put on the gloves and tackle some of the work myself. Long story short after 12 hours of working on this house, I got offered a job by the tenants parent. Showing that you care can go a really long way.

[@adrianmanea413]

Learning to code was honestly the best decision I've made since deciding to be born. Finding a co-founder with the coding skills can be frustrating. If they lack confidence and motivation, it can be difficult to maintain a steady company. I learned to code from KZbin and a React template I purchased for $69 haha.

[@KrantiUpadhyay]

From which yt chanel I should learn code can you reconend

[@leonsvideos]

@@KrantiUpadhyay Don‘t go looking for that one youtube channel to teach you everything about how to code. Find something that you would like to build, then ask ChatGPT what he would use to build it. Keep asking questions until you know why ChatGPT recommends which component, then come back to youtube and look for good teachers that teach the concepts you need for your project. Build the project. Start the next one. Project based learning is the only way to really learn how to code. Trust me, I spent years doing tutorials and couldn’t have done anything that wasn’t shown in the video. Once I started building, I started learning 10 times faster.

[@KrantiUpadhyay]

@@leonsvideos Thanks for this information

[@holdenm2k]

@@KrantiUpadhyay buying a react template was somehow the best $70 ive ever spent. teaches you a lot

[@adrianmanea413]

@@holdenm2k I've used one called Devias Kit Pro, great learning resource

[@anamariaramirezgomez8547]

I really love this kind of videos because I got my bachelor's degree four years ago and I had the opportunity to upskill during the last year and got an amazing job and learned about my co-workers worldwide.

[@emanuelb.2715]

The Credential Game segment was super cryptic. They didn’t explain what they are talking about. Is it about having to be a previous founder to get investments? Coming from a renown school? Being a tech influencer? What credential game is being played that’s so important to understand? Help us understand it.

[@elijahtrenton8351]

Tldr the world is unfair & as you get older you realize that Harvard/YC etc can only take you so far in life, they aren't everything. Some ppl are handed opportunities you can only dream of, some are prodigies and no amount of studying will put you on their level and some are willing to sacrifice everything because failure means they and their family will starve. Learn the rules, play the game to get your foot in the door (eg study to get into a good school or network with founders to meet investors) but don't forget it's a game or become disconnect from the hardships of other or the next generation after you gain some success, you can only try to change the rules or make the world a fairer place when you have power. If you change the world too much to fast in ways that upsets the general public or people in power the government will crack down like a hammer, so instead of destroying the system (society) or worshipping it work around it to make the world a better place.

[@matviyk3066]

You put it so lovely

[@nelsonndahiro6115]

The way I understood it is: the world is what it is. People who get into prestigious schools or get other credentials are more admired and are given more opportunity. You can either go into the system and work super hard to get those credentials as your main goal in life, or you can realize that not all people who go to Harvard are smart or competent, and you can try to show that the system is not always selecting the best people. But in reality both those extremes are not helpful, it's better to accept the world as it is and get the credentials that are useful if you can while realizing that they are not an end in themselves, as you try your own way to success by building something.

[@flaviorosa1945]

@@elijahtrenton8351 I am fascinated by what you have written, may I have the opportunity to contact you?

[@tomasbaron8465]

@@nelsonndahiro6115 I like how you concluded that, I understood more or less the same.

[@chapterme]

Chapters (Powered by ChapterMe) - 00:00 - Intro 00:14 - YC's Advice for High School Students 01:12 - Grinding - Delayed Gratification 02:23 - Upskilling - Learn to Code 04:17 - Learn to use Basic Design Software 04:52 - Launching Products 06:49 - Learn to Talk to People and Make Friends 08:04 - School is a Sandbox 09:13 - Empathy - How to Care About Your Users 11:20 - How to Play the Credential Game 13:35 - Fads and How to Catch Them 15:42 - How to Be Excited About Technology 17:50 - Being Honest to Yourself 20:08 - Learn to Love Long Games 23:46 - Wrap Up - Live Your Dream

[@Giverb.DoGood]

Thank you

[@heerthirajah1661]

Hey chapterme. Sema bruh. As an AI enthusiast your product is awesome. And your marketing strategy also same a😂😅

[@chapterme]

@@heerthirajah1661 Thanks!

[@ChaoticAuthority]

The guy who did timestamps for the wan show recently retired because of too long videos, there is a power gap to be conquered

[@Giverb.DoGood]

@@heerthirajah1661 FACTS. Marketing strategy is on point 🤣🙌🏾

[@khaya_was_taken_]

Love you guys, wishing I had this content starting off, now I'm sharing it with my brother. His doing his first startup.

[@pratyushatri8248]

Spot on content. All the pointers and things that were covered made so much sense. Awesome video Dalton and Michael

[@hellomybot]

So true. These are the real skills we need (not only graduated students)👌 Thanks a lot Dalton & Michael.

[@JeeSee]

This is an absolute blessing to have for free. Thank you, Y Combinator!

[@muddadasiva6696]

thank you guys for sharing the valuable knowledge

[@murthyharshith]

This is so for me. Starting out as a college fresher with YC advice. What can be better than this. Thanks a ton YC

[@masterz1848]

I am a high schooler with a dream, I am 16 now, I have been grinding for the past 5 years, just building products I love, now I have at last built up the confidence to apply to YC, to make my dream, a reality! Dalton and Michael, I am Wasim, I am from India, I am building Dozeal! and I am confident that we will meet soon!! See you then! 😃🤩

[@octobergreen13-98]

Good luck! 🍀💚👍

[@ShIvamShandilya-dt9xu]

I AM FROM INDIA TOO

[@lahcenechel1855]

Start working on my project soon. I have no teammate so I will do everything my self. I wish I could've asked for advice from dr Seidle.

[@johnnyBrwn]

Thanks man, this is already adding so much value. Its depressing seeing a lack of optimism in AI.

[@devtea]

"The Startup game isn't going away. You've got time. Learn to build. Then ship. Take in feedback, adjust, and repeat."

[@markchern1955]

Thanks a lot.Although i am not a student anymore,but the advices sounds great to me. I am ready to prepare to live my dream.

[@amospan14]

These are golden nuggets! Thank you gentlemen!

[@sanjiblamichhane]

Never applied/got into YC but feels like I am a YC grad!

[@Zekicc]

The in person ones are much more enjoyable to watch - please keep this format!

[@dizzydevelops]

I wish I would have found this video in highschool or college. Great Content!

[@dhruvraval6997]

Saw this video and clicked instantly! As a college freshman interested in startups, hearing from the vets is an opportunity I’ll always take.

[@ishatariq9422]

I have my respect for you growing by day.

[@CyberWorx]

Very informative. Thanks a lot!

[@stephaneessomba9441]

great advices as usual, thank you

[@fdlrahman07]

cool it's related with what i'm currently doing it. this is a promise to myself that i'll become rich startup founder in 2 years see you on top myself☺

[@zigakovacic]

AGI will do the design and coding it seems so I'm interested in building high level knowledge in maths/cs and research in those areas.

[@tomasbaron8465]

Play the long game, know how to boost your cards by the rules and care about what you are doing and for who you are doing it ❤

[@genericdeveloper3966]

Video game analogy was excellent.

[@SuMaN3301]

I am currently pursuing my graduation Completed my 1st 2 steps onto next

[@txbrown_]

Here for the FF7 reference 😂 that game taught me so much.

[@paternyao]

What are some examples of best Design apps? Any advice on how to start with Design? Like courses or books…

[@ProfessorRagna]

As a big FF7 fan, as short as the reference was, I still appreciated the FF7 analogy :)

[@WilliamPeytz]

Great Advice

[@PranavKarthik]

this is the content we need

[@chuka231d8]

love this one!

[@arjoai]

I am founding Mitra, platform for teamwork with AI agents. Applied for S24, wish me luck!

[@dawnghost7903]

To all the youngins, the “credential game” is a tool you can use. I out right rejected it and it DOES hold you back BIG time. You can still make it but it’s an unnecessary risk. Stay around the smart people who have goals and dreams. The world is full of many people who don’t have any anymore and will hinder your growth speed 💙

[@pratik2777]

does the credential game means going to college??

[@alexshibu3263]

damm perfect timing. I'm on a gap year

[@ashwinnair]

much needed

[@anirudhm]

the best channel on the planet

[@UnCanny_]

The Part where he referred about “CREDENTIALS" anyone Can Explain me ..??

[@TVel_Kepler]

This is dope!

[@imsteven3044]

What discord's channels recommend about Startups?

[@Yourshorts708]

Future is here❤

[@LCTesla]

Learn to code and learn to design in 1 fell swoop: learn HTML5 and (S)CSS. Skip the mockup stage and just build what you're thinking of.

[@jamesandrews9404]

Don’t get me wrong I think learning how to code is invaluable. However, with the rise of no-code solutions like Bubble or even generative AI in the future, is this skill as valuable as you say it is?

[@happydays5218]

Yes. The best companies can't operate properly on No Code solutions. Eventually you'll need the technical expertise to create custom software that adds maximum value to your customers otherwise your company/business will lose to competitors who have the better engineers. If Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, etc.. relied on No Code solutions they would lose users to better equipped software companies

[@jamesandrews9404]

@@happydays5218 I think it’s still great for an mvp stage

[@chuhaoliu5050]

21:47 "Ture ambition means being patient for many many years"

[@cheezjesus]

make also for college students

[@just_faisal101]

Love from India

[@QuantApplicantMattKulis]

forward earnings reflect what CAN rather then what IS.

[@LCTesla]

I'm a 38 yo student listening intently

[@sciencegeeks1370]

I'm a cto at a tech company. I'm 14 and a sophomore in college. Thanks for this video P.S I joined as a regular employee and worked up to CTO Position

[@iuc7254]

I find it hard to believe you😂...

[@sciencegeeks1370]

@@iuc7254 I understand. Its true tho

[@JohnAdegoke]

Wait, so you got into college at 13? That's even earlier than me. I got into uni at 14 :)

[@mosesnandi]

😀 Trolling, right?

[@sciencegeeks1370]

@@mosesnandi Nah

[@StreamAgency]

TOO LITTY!

[@imsteven3044]

Hi, is anyone working on Robotics Startups?

[@udditconsul7699]

What are the chances for a person , to get into y combinator . who was just an average during all academia , passed out of college when covid hit , wasnt able to get a job . Has no strong credentials or big branded names of college to his name . Now one fine day after years of long hardship experiences with literally no money in pocket for 2 years . Building a mvp and solving a real problem . Can anybody predict out of 100 % , what are the probable chances

[@isagiyoichi5207]

That chance depends on ur product, if ur product is good then u will get accepted

[@xl1179]

17:15 that was cynical laugh:)

[@PiusInProgress]

nahh man in 2 years agi will arrive and then 2 weeks later superintelligence. i don't have 7 years

[@funkymonkey7202]

LLMs haven't shown yet to produce unique insights like humans can. Mostly you should be good at seeing high level so you can be an AI master rather than jobless. If Ray Kurzweils prediction is right you'll have about 22 years before the singularity happens.

[@PiusInProgress]

@@funkymonkey7202 i give superintelligence 2-15 years. I don't see how it could take 22 tbh. It is actually cool though it gives me a lot more urgency and somehow I enjoy that quite a bit. Good reason to live more intensly.

[@funkymonkey7202]

@@PiusInProgress 22 years for it be able to make decades of innovation a second

[@PiusInProgress]

@@funkymonkey7202 to get from serious self improvement on an exponential scale to that it probably takes a week or two.

[@Secretlyanothername]

YC overvalues youth and discounts experience.

[@ramunascepaitis]

17:30 - young people don't think that they can learn something they couldn't before or that they can do something on their phone they couldn't before. When something new becomes everyday reality and people stop appreciating it, they always find what to complain about. First world problems.

[@TheRishabhShow]

Re uploaded

[@dontbeshydating]

The future is software engineering

[@adamm5717]

Those videos seem to be targeted mostly towards college students. I think you might be missing out on the more experienced audience.

[@anatolynavrotsky1744]

And now please repeat all this for a 40 year old

[@TochStyle]

Yeah coding seems to be useful lol

[@algeriennesaffaires7017]

Too much giggle i cant keep watching its do annoying

[@ziawe]

Grind