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SamCtrlPlusAltMan
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OpenAI • 5m
Paul Graham’s Timeless Framework for Finding Startup Ideas. Back in 2012, Paul Graham wrote the now-classic "How to Get Startup Ideas". Over a decade later, it’s still one of the most important essays for any founder trying to build something real. Here’s a breakdown of his core principles, and why they still matter in 2025: 1️⃣ Aim for Utility, Not Novelty The best startup ideas aren’t flashy, they’re useful. Most patents are useless. Solve a deep problem for a small group → scale later. 2️⃣ Find Urgency, Not Just Scale Imagine ideas as wells: Width = how many want it Depth = how badly they want it Start deep, not wide. 3️⃣ Live in the Future Be at the edge of change. Pay attention to what should exist but doesn’t. Side projects, small irritations, emerging tech = fertile ground. 4️⃣ Scratch Your Own Itch Build what you personally need. You’ll move faster, understand deeper, and iterate better. 5️⃣ Cross Domains If you're deep in X and curious about Y, you're in luck. Innovation often happens at intersections (e.g. biology + AI, finance + UX). 6️⃣ Ignore the Competition Panic If you’re solving a real problem, there’s room for you. Focus on users. Crowded = demand, not doom. 7️⃣ Unfilter Your Brain Unsexy ≠ bad. In fact, boring problems often lead to billion-dollar solutions. Ask yourself: “What problem do I wish someone would solve for me?” 8️⃣ The Hedgehog Principle Find what sits at the intersection of: a. What you love b. What you’re great at c. What people will pay for 9️⃣ Apply Lean Thinking Start small. Test fast. Learn faster. Talk to users, launch quick, and treat your startup like a scientific experiment. Founders don’t need more inspiration..they need better filters. 💬 Which of these principles are you using right now?
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