According to Y Combinator (@ycombinator), AI startups should focus on solving real customer pain points, rapidly iterating with user feedback, and building scalable technology from the outset. Verified in their official startup advice, Y Combinator emphasizes the importance of assembling a strong technical founding team, leveraging cutting-edge AI models for competitive advantage, and maintaining a relentless focus on product-market fit. These rules are designed to maximize early-stage growth and position startups for venture capital investment, particularly in the fast-evolving artificial intelligence sector where market opportunities are expanding rapidly (source: Y Combinator Startup Library, 2024).