You need three things to create a successful startup: to start with good people, to make something customers actually want, and to spend as little money as possible. Most startups that fail do it because they fail at one of these. A startup that does all three will probably succeed. This is an excerpt from a great essay by Paul Graham, a recommended read for everyone pondering about it. More great links:Ideas for Startups The Other Road Ahead Not enough? Read all of the essays.