Video · ~35 min

Growth for Startups

Gustaf Alstromer · Y Combinator (YouTube) Free Intermediate

A YC talk on growth that spends real time on the metrics that lie about product/market fit, which is exactly what a swelling waitlist can be. Alstromer separates numbers that flatter you from numbers that predict a business. Watch it to build a healthier scorecard than signup count.

  • Some metrics look like fit but do not predict it.
  • Retention and repeat use beat top of funnel counts.
  • Choose one honest metric before you chase growth.

It answers 2 questions

  1. Is a waitlist with a lot of signups actual proof of demand?
  2. My MVP works but nobody sticks around after signing up. How do I diagnose whether it's a product problem or an onboarding problem?

Read with it

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  4. The free tool for running the how-would-you-feel-without-this survey that underpins the Superhuman method, giving you a... Sean Ellis and GoPractice Tool · Free tool Product/Market Fit Survey Sean Ellis
  5. The definitive essay on where good ideas come from: notice problems you personally have, don't force it. Use it as the lens for... paulgraham.com Essay · ~20 min read How to Get Startup Ideas Paul Graham
  6. The permission slip to recruit users by hand, do things manually, and deliver 'insanely great' experiences to your first few... paulgraham.com Essay · ~15 min read Do Things That Don't Scale Paul Graham
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