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Starting a company is daunting. But Sam Altman, the former president of Y Combinator and co-founder of OpenAI, has an intriguing perspective: starting a hard company is easier than starting an easy one. It might sound counterintuitive, but let’s break it down.
Photo: Bloomberg
Starting Is Always Hard
Altman argues that launching any company—whether it’s the next social media app or a nuclear energy startup—is hard. You’ll face obstacles, long hours, and emotional ups and downs no matter what. So, if starting is inherently difficult, why not aim for something ambitious and meaningful?
Hard Companies Attract Passionate People
When you aim high—whether it’s building supersonic airplanes or revolutionizing artificial intelligence—you naturally attract the best and most passionate people. Talented individuals are drawn to bold missions that excite and challenge them.
Consider Elon Musk and SpaceX. The idea of colonizing Mars sounded outrageous, yet it pulled in brilliant engineers and inspired global admiration. Musk’s bold ambition gave the company a magnetic appeal, making it easier to recruit talent and secure funding.
Easy Ideas Struggle for Attention
In contrast, “easy” companies often face the challenge of standing out in a sea of similar ideas. Altman humorously points out that no one gets excited about building "Facebook 1952" or another small derivative startup. These ideas struggle to ignite the passion needed to sustain a team through tough times.
For example, how many fitness apps or food delivery services fail to differentiate themselves? The effort of starting is the same, but without a bold vision, these companies often fade into obscurity.
A Big Secret in Startups
Altman’s belief is clear: the harder the idea, the more opportunities for impact and success. The entrepreneurial journey will always demand resilience and grit, so why not choose an idea that’s worth the struggle?
For aspiring founders, this means embracing boldness and taking risks. Whether it’s tackling climate change or pioneering new energy sources, hard ideas have the potential to inspire teams, attract resources, and leave a lasting legacy.
Take the Leap
Starting a company is a marathon, not a sprint. By choosing a hard and meaningful problem to solve, you can create something that excites others and sustains you through the inevitable challenges. As Altman’s experience shows, it’s not the difficulty of the idea that matters—it’s the passion it inspires.
Watch Sam Altman:
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