# Yc Startup Fundamentals

> Internalize Y Combinator startup principles for digital products including make something people want, doing things that do not scale, early launch, focus, user conversations, and growth-first execution. Use when deciding startup priorities, early-stage tactics, MVP scope, first-user strategy, or founder-style tradeoffs.

- Skill: `nickgallick/yc-startup-fundamentals` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add nickgallick/yc-startup-fundamentals`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nickgallick/yc-startup-fundamentals/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Marketing & Growth
- Author: nickgallick (https://skillmd.com/u/nickgallick)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nickgallick/yc-startup-fundamentals

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# YC Startup Fundamentals

Use this skill to think like an early-stage founder.

## Core principles
- Make something people want.
- Do things that do not scale early.
- Launch early and iterate with real feedback.
- Talk to users directly.
- Focus on one core job before expanding scope.
- Treat growth as survival, but only if retention exists.

## Outputs
- early-stage decision memo
- first-100-user plan
- user-conversation plan
- growth-vs-focus tradeoff guidance
- MVP scope guardrails

## Rules
- Prefer direct user contact over abstract strategy.
- Cut scope before adding channels or features.
- Use weekly growth and retention as the reality check.