Advice for women starting their first startup

Executive overview

Too many aspiring female founders stall waiting for the perfect moment. There is no perfect moment. The speakers — all founders who've been through YC — share what actually got them started and what kept them going.

Start before you're ready; determination outlasts every obstacle.

On starting

• Stop waiting for the right time — there isn't one
• Having an idea and determination is enough to begin
• You don't need to look like a "typical" founder

On identity and leadership

• Build your own personal brand to give yourself conviction and voice
• Copy leadership styles from others, then assemble your own
• You're standing on shoulders — draw strength from those who came before

On the reality of founder life

• Expect a decade-long commitment if you find any success
• The highs are high, the lows are low — stress is physical (six cracked teeth from grinding)
• Talking to other female founders is the most helpful resource

On parenthood and obligation

• Being a mom is a strength, not a disqualifier
• Reject the idea that founders can't also be good parents
• Your obligation is to create more founders like you, not to be stressed

On why bother

• If you're building value for others anyway, build it for yourself
• Something impossible becomes possible when you do it with people you trust