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Emmett Shear at Startup School SV 2014

From Y Combinator · Published Jul 23, 2015 · Watch on YouTube

TL;DR

Emmett Shear recounts the journey from failed Kiko Calendar (sold on eBay) through Justin.tv (multiple pivots, including a reality TV show and a live streaming platform) to Twitch TV, which succeeded after eight years.

Key insights

  • The founders had no relevant skills starting out (programming, product decisions, fundraising, hiring, managing) and only a determination not to give up.
  • Building six startup ideas in a year and a half (founder ADD) prevented focus and success; they learned that ADD definitely prevents success.
  • A four-person founding team is generally a bad idea, but can work if team dynamics gel.

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