Paul Graham’s advice to founders is simple: ship first, then iterate based on customer feedback.
Too many founders fall into the trap of over-building - endlessly polishing features, debating minor details, and delaying launch until things feel perfect. The problem is, perfection never comes. And worse, you might end up creating something nobody actually wants.
Why Shipping Early Matters
No matter how much you plan, there will always be unknowns - small issues, unexpected use cases, or missing features you couldn’t have predicted. These only reveal themselves once your product is in the hands of real users.
Launching early means getting something valuable out quickly so you can start learning fast. Every customer interaction is data. Every bug report, feature request, or churn event reveals something important about what to improve next.
Iteration Is the Heart of Building Great Products
Iteration is the heart of building great products. You release, observe, and refine. The faster that cycle spins, the faster you grow.
Yes, churn happens. But churn isn’t failure - it’s feedback. Each customer who leaves provides insights that can make your product stronger. What truly matters is how you respond.
The Power of Respect and Kindness
At the core of this philosophy is people. Every user deserves respect, empathy, and honesty. Treat customers well - even when they leave - and many of them will return when they see how you’ve improved.
Shipping fast and iterating reflects humility, adaptability, and care. Those who listen, learn, and keep improving build not just better products, but lasting relationships.
