In this podcast episode, we explore the early days of DoorDash and the determined vision of its founder, Tony Xu, who faced numerous challenges and skepticism. Starting from Stanford's Startup Garage, where the mission to support small businesses began, the story highlights the critical market research that revealed significant delivery obstacles. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and innovation throughout the journey. Key funding rounds played a vital role in changing DoorDash's direction, along with strategic decisions that prioritized suburban areas over urban markets. The company's ability to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic further underscores that understanding customer needs and maintaining a long-term vision are crucial for success in entrepreneurship.