Video · ~40 min

The 7 Most Powerful Moats for AI Startups

Y Combinator · Y Combinator (Lightcone) Free Intermediate

When building is easier than ever and code is the least defensible thing you own, this breaks down what actually protects a startup. The YC partners walk through moats like distribution, brand, and proprietary data, using Hamilton Helmer's Seven Powers as a lens. Watch it to see why open-sourcing or building in public rarely gives away your real advantage.

  • Code and features are the weakest moats, especially now
  • Distribution, brand, and unique data are far harder to copy
  • Knowing your real moat tells you what is safe to share openly
Open on ycombinator.com ↗

The question it answers

  1. Should I open-source my MVP or build in public to get early users, or does that just help competitors copy me?

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