Every startup begins with the same goal: solve an unsolved problem for a specific group of people. But here’s the often-overlooked question:
Which group of people should you solve for?
Before you can nail product-market fit, you need to find a community that truly speaks to you. It’s not about targeting an audience or pitching a solution. Those approaches often miss the mark. Instead, it’s about immersing yourself in a community where you feel connected and inspired. By being part of their world, you uncover the problems that matter — and the ones worth solving.
When I worked on my last startup, a decentralized social network for artists and creators, I didn’t start out building for them. I was working on something completely different. But I’d always been drawn to the arts community — I collected art, followed artists on Twitter, joined group chats, and had countless conversations. Over time, I started noticing their challenges. And some of those challenges were things I could help solve.
That shift didn’t come from pitching them. It came from showing up, listening, and learning.
The best communities aren’t a means to an end — they’re places where you feel genuinely connected. When you find your tribe, the path to meaningful solutions becomes clearer.
So, before you obsess over cool technology or brainstorm which problems to solve, ask yourself this: What communities fascinate me?
Once you have founder-community fit, the rest of the journey isn’t easy — but it’s easier.
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If you have any questions or thoughts, don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me as @viksit on Twitter.