def starts_with(haystack, needle):
    """
    Returns True if needle starts with one of the items of haystack.

    :type haystack: list
    :param haystack: list of strings, these are various starters.
    :type needle: str
    :param needle: a single string.
    """
    assert isinstance(haystack, list)
    assert isinstance(needle, str)

    if haystack:
        assert isinstance(haystack[0], str)

    result = False
    for starter in haystack:
        if needle.startswith(starter):
            result = True
            break
    return result