Parting Advice

Ralston says every startup and founder follows a different path, so founders should avoid measuring their progress against other companies. He recalls taking 12 years to find his route from Hewlett-Packard to building web-based email, which Yahoo later bought.

He advises founders to focus on what matters: build something people want, measure progress, identify where value is created, and hire strong people. He also urges them to stay connected to the Startup School community and keep moving forward.

Ralston says problems are inevitable and founders should default to action by coding, talking to users, and improving the product. He recounts keeping an email service online during a prolonged power outage with an extension cord, and LaLa recovering after Facebook canceled a major music deal before Google and Facebook partnerships and an acquisition by Apple for nearly $100 million.

Stories about Airbnb, a company disrupted by China closing trade, and a founder facing a lawsuit from a former co-founder illustrate how persistence and resourcefulness can help companies survive severe setbacks. Ralston recommends taking chances, keeping profitability within reach, and staying in control of the company's future where possible.

Ralston encourages founders to create organizations that treat people well, including themselves, co-founders, employees, customers, investors, and the wider world. He says kindness, healthy habits, strong communication, and customer focus can support morale and company success.