Make Something People Want
Y Combinator's motto: Build a product that solves real problems for real people.
Explanation
This is Y Combinator's fundamental principle coined in 2005. Success comes from creating genuine value, not clever marketing or technical sophistication. The motto directly relates to achieving product-market fit—when your product resonates so strongly with customers that they pull it from you rather than you having to push it to them.
Real-World Example
Airbnb solved real housing problems for travelers and homeowners seeking income. Stripe addressed actual pain points in online payments. Dropbox eliminated file sync frustrations. Failed startups often build impressive technology that nobody wants—like Google Glass or Segway. CB Insights found 'no market need' is the #1 reason startups fail (42% of failures).
How to Apply
Launch something minimal quickly, then talk to users extensively. Ask: What problem does this solve? Who has this problem badly enough to pay? How are they solving it now? Validate demand before building features. Focus on user love, not user convenience. If people aren't telling friends about your product, you haven't achieved this yet.