Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calls today the best era to launch a startup

During a session at Y Combinator’s Startup School 2026, Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang shared his belief that the present is the optimal time to start a company, even expressing jealousy toward the young founders listening. He argued that obsessing over potential obstacles creates anxiety that stalls action, recommending entrepreneurs focus on incremental challenges instead. Huang illustrated his point with a personal anecdote about purchasing textbooks to help his early team overcome a misguided graphics strategy.

He also pointed to a record 3.23 million business applications filed in the first half of 2026, a 12.1 percent increase despite a weak economy, and cited the high five-year failure rate for new firms. The CEO’s message combined encouragement with a reminder that success hinges on adaptability and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities.