The success of a startup is not determined by its industry!

As Paul Graham once wrote, "An investment fund's sector focus is harmless—as long as you use it only when talking to LPs and don't start believing in it yourself. A fund should invest in any great startup, regardless of its 'sector'. The success of a startup is not determined by its industry, but rather by the competence of its founders.

Given the rarity of truly exceptional startups, a strict sector focus can become a significant limitation. This focus can inadvertently result in funds supporting mediocre startups simply because they align with the 'right' sector.

This line of thinking is equally applicable to founders.

"Your expertise is irrelevant if it is confined to your CV. However, the moment founders begin to believe that they must build startups exclusively within their own domain, they can become ensnared in a trap. In fact, a startup's success is contingent on market forces rather than individual expertise. Those willing to learn new skills can find success in any field.

At any given moment, only a handful of markets are large and growing. Adhering excessively to your area of expertise can limit your exposure to more lucrative opportunities simply because they align with your existing knowledge.

If you were to consider an alternative perspective, which market would you choose to enter?

What skills would you need to acquire?

And who would you need to bring on board to make it happen?