These "facts" do not apply to startups that actually succeed. Understanding customer demands and tracking business intelligence related to customer behaviors are two incredibly useful strategies for developing great products. I've seen startups do it all the time.
I worked with the startup Streamable.com for a short time, and Armen, the CEO, once told me something really insightful. He said to me, "There are no 'product' people - successful web products are designed by listening to your users and designing appropriately." As the CEO, he was the one listening to users and communicating with them. I thought this was a novel approach, and given how great Streamable is, I think Armen was on to something.
I worked with the startup Streamable.com for a short time, and Armen, the CEO, once told me something really insightful. He said to me, "There are no 'product' people - successful web products are designed by listening to your users and designing appropriately." As the CEO, he was the one listening to users and communicating with them. I thought this was a novel approach, and given how great Streamable is, I think Armen was on to something.