“I didn't even know that there was a startup culture, that there were e...” — Kathryn Minshew Quote

I didn't even know that there was a startup culture, that there were events with people who built businesses. When I started meeting those people and going in to that world, I felt like I was among my people for the first time in my life.

I always encourage people to learn the basics and nail the basics. Take the time to customize your resume and cover letter to reflect your qualifications, your research on the specific company and position, and how you believe you can add value.

Previous experience, key skills, and education. They're undoubtedly all important things you consider when filtering through applicants in order to make a new hire. But, what's another major determining factor of whether or not that hopeful interviewee deserves an offer letter? Cultural fit.

Sure, you're an intelligent and highly capable individual, and you are learning a lot on the fly as you build your company. But you also need to come to terms with the fact that there are things you have chosen not to be an expert in.

I got really excited about the idea of data-driven startup just as I was starting Kaggle.

In a startup, there have to be challenges. Otherwise, someone else would have done it already. And that's almost the most exciting part.

If you asked would I have done a startup in India, the answer is yes.

I'm sure that the ideas being incubated at places like Startup Village today will form the core of the technologies of tomorrow.

Working at a startup to make a lot of money was never a thing, and that's why I decided to just finish up school. That was way more important for me.