[dheer01]

Disagree completely with the very first opinion expressed - 'Don't do a startup just to do one - do it only if you really want to solve a problem'.

India has produced about 3 big ~billion dollar compaines in the recent past - inmobi, flipkart, druvaa. None of the founders really started to 'solve' a problem they were passionate about. What they were really passionate about was just 'starting up' - and based on their personal strengths, industry knowledge and what they thought could be sold, stumbled on these big businesses. This was probably true for HP too.

It is absolutely ok to do a startup just for the heck of it. Get in the game and find out the intersection of what you can build and what a customer will buy. If you build a big business - the passion will follow. Do not forget to bullshit though on your big interview on how the so solved problem kept you awake at nights - it makes for some good reading and impressionable pr.

[rdlecler1]

That could be more survivor bias. I think what he's saying is that if you're going to start something you better be in love with it because there will be bad times and you're going to need to lean on that passion to keep going. If you happen to get lucky and ride a rocketship then this requirement will be less applicable.

[sharemywin]

but since he came from a rocketship, I think he's pointing no matter what it's hard on you.