Garry Tan on Founder

What are some of the best ways to come up with startup ideas? My list so far— 👣Problems you had in the past (@typesfast was a top importer of medical hot tubs) 🗿Fringe ideas (@brian_armstrong read Nakomoto whitepaper) 🧸Toy features (post by email for Posterous) What else?

286 likes62 repliesPosted Apr 30, 2020

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Viral score

Based on absolute engagement — the platform doesn’t expose follower counts here, so large accounts score higher.

From likes, comments.

Why it worked

Opens with a short, self-contained line that is easy to take in at a glance.
Uses short lines and white space, which makes a long post feel quick to read.
Follows a clear Hook → Context → Invitation shape, so the reader always knows where they are.
Ends on a question, which is the most reliable way to turn readers into repliers.
Written from experience rather than as advice, which is harder to argue with.
Short enough to read in full without expanding, which removes a step before the point lands.

The mechanics

Hook: Plain observation
Structure: Hook → Context → Invitation
Style: Short lines with heavy white space, built to be scanned.
Tone: personal, punchy
Written for: Founders and early-stage teams

Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Topics

Founder

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