causal

Early-stage investing is judging founders

The earlier you invest in startups, the more you are simply judging the founders rather than the business plan — like location for real estate, the founders are the dominant factor, which is why early-stage investors must be excellent judges of people.

causalpending

Speaker

Paul Graham

Evidence Quote

The earlier you’re judging start-ups, the more you’re just judging the founders. It’s like location for real estate.

Source

Paul GrahamConversations with Tyler
Created: 6/12/2026, 4:55:44 PM

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