As with everything, you can become too focused on a formula as your 'winning solution' or 'silver bullet'. YC is a formula. There are many formulas to success.
YC is a leg up, not the ultimate be-all and end-all of getting your startup on it's feet.
In my eyes, the application is free and has a lot of benefit in just doing it. It makes you think about your idea in depth and asks questions targeting different areas. For example, you may have thought about how you are going to get a user base, but have you thought about how you are going to get the first user, the second, and third? Have you thought that far in the beginning? When I looked at the application this was the question that stumped me, because I had a general plan/idea as to how to go about getting users, but not something concrete that could help me get the first few. So now I'm rethinking my strategy and have some better ideas for my app.
I would still do it. The worst that will happen is that they say "no".
You can do all those with out applying, even with lottery they tell which numbers wins. If the sharing idea is not an issue why they don't share the winning ones? If sharing the idea is an issue then there is a price you sharing yours then?
You're right, you can do all those without applying, but why not just hit submit anyways? It's not going to hurt you and even if you do get that soul-crushing rejection, who cares? You're going to face a lot more cruel rejections from angels and VCs so you might as well start building up your tolerance. And if you really can't tolerate it then pursuing a startup isn't for you, because it gets much more stressful as you go. This is a good explanation as to why they might reject your app: http://www.ycombinator.com/whynot/
They eventually do share the ideas; just not in the beginning. Some companies announce themselves in the beginning and some don't. Eventually we will hear about them when Demo Day comes around. This is a post listing the recent class: http://blog.ycombinator.com/congratulations-to-the-yc-summer...
This is a compiled list of all the companies that have ever attended YC and their status (though it seems it hasn't been updated yet): http://yclist.com/
Rejections are ok, but the ones with a template email is not! I dont hear anybody being rejected from a VC or an angel with a template based email!
They are getting a huge database to mine. You share your idea, progress and other things, but they dont even get time to provide a feedback! Not even focus on this or that type. Also dont forget stupid show us if we were wrong type sentences.
I don't really know what to think except the sheer amount of applications they receive. They received over 6500 applications for their YC Fellowship program alone and the application was open for only a week. Can you imagine having to write a personalized rejection letter for each application? That would take a much longer time as oppose of sending a template email. Believe me, I would love to hear personalized feedback as much as you, but I get why they can't do it. Angels and VCs don't deal with the volume that YC or TechStar do, so they can afford to personalize their rejection emails accordingly (if you're even lucky to get one in some cases). I found these two links to be particularly interesting:
I haven't heard any stories where YC used their database nefariously and gave away ideas to other founders. This is interesting though, I'll keep this in mind.
i think thats is the best thing can happen as i would never get such kind of VCs or especially angels money.would love to hear real stroies, any links? i think it is almost equal to you love someone and getting no with no explanation.
I don't know, i have the impression that the application is more about thinking how impressive you and your achievements are so far. And I don't see any benefits in this kind of self congratulatory or self disappointment exercise.
YC always said it was more about the founders than the idea, so applying is nothing like doing a business model canvas or whatever.
That said, I think it is still very worthy to apply if you think you are a YC-type founder. I just do not buy that applying is an exercise worthy for itself.
Personally, I don't really see it like that at all. I mean they obviously will ask you for past accomplishments so they can see if you have the aptitude, but I don't see it as an application where you solely brag about yourself.
> YC always said it was more about the founders than the idea
I've heard this before. I do believe it's true, but only after the initial idea. They have had some cases where the founders applied with an idea, got accepted, and then found out that their initial idea wasn't going to take off. Now they are really investing in you, the founder, over your idea. The stories of Optimizely (https://soundcloud.com/akharris/startup-school-radio-ep-3-pe...) and Codecademy come to mind.
Solo founder = no insurance, idea needs to be easy to execute with lots of user base and growth
2 co founders = insurance, but not the best if technical guy is not that technical.
3 co founders = more insurance, best option, think about it even if you screw one or two you are good.
As as Solo founder do you have hope at all when it comes to applying to YC? Please no BS about startups are hard you need help thing!
The world of startups is ruthless. In my opinion, YC has positioned itself near its center of gravity by being a bit more ruthlessly efficient and a somewhat paradoxically a bit more humane. The humanity comes from being a more open about its process, more open about its thinking and providing a low barrier online application process. Sure, it's a lottery. But at least an introduction isn't necessary to buy a ticket.
I guess the ideal situation from both YC's perspective and a founder's is when the application is mostly exhaust fumes from impassioned existing execution: when the effort to produce the content of the application is something that the founder(s) are committed to independently of the YC process. Their goal is to add momentum not overcoming inertia.
YC is a popular game of chance. It's not the only one. It's targeted at a particular type of player, not everyone. Building something provides several other options.
My guess is someone without apparent downside and with effectiveness from YC's point of view. By which I mean YC doesn't see a potential red or yellow flag and can see a likelihood that whatever gets done will get done quickly...if they're going to fail they will fail fast and move forward.
Of course that's just a guess based hanging around on HN not inside information or drinks with YC alums.
Graduated from or attended Stanford or an ivy league school (but preferably specifically Stanford). Proven track record of success. Under 30. Without family ties. Has impressive hacks they can mention on their application. Has a product with current traction. Has a product with unicorn upside potential ($1B possibilities). Product is very early in its lifecycle. Not a single founder (preferably two to three). Can sell the startup quickly (this is important if you make it to the interview) and address potential issues with the business plan.
But remember that at this point, they probably only interview 1 in 500 applications if that, so there's a lot of chance involved as well.
You need to add comments and be part of the wave, isnt PG checks HN although he has no contribution to HN last two years even as an user, what a metric? One day if i made couple of million dollars with my stupid startup, i will do a better job. Especially to the part where you say "we will reject you most likely but send it anyways"
I think it would be nice if YC would make their exclusion criteria explicit. I understand why they don't, but the pain it is causing young people who don't know any better is sad.
Stop worrying about YC. Work hard (for someone else), learn everything you can, save your money, and think a lot. When you have the resources then start a bootstrapped business and never look back.
I was thinking YC is for what you just explained in second paragraph. I do remember the SV scene where guy says "i can not guide you unless you give me something to guide" May be this startup world is a big lie!
YC sells itself as an accelerator, not as a lottery.
One of the big changes that have happened over the last few years is that the resources you need to start a tech business is much reduced to the point that one skilled person with relatively modest savings can start and build a serious business. Get on with acquiring the skills and resources you need to start without needing outside investors.
I do wish application reflects being accelerator by filtering people in the beginning who needs incubation. I wish there is a quick and easy way of bootstrapping the network and connections for a successful exit.
One thing I can tell you as builder of a successful bootstrapped business is it is not easy, but it is very rewarding.
YC is a business with the aim of making money. Only certain types of businesses and founders are of interest to them and if you don’t fit then you are best to stay well away.
if the reason to not apply YC is "time consuming and soul crashing at the end", we should not even consider starting a startup at all.
for us, we apply because we realize how much we can learn (why do we know before even get in? i have talked to a lot of YC alum, and 90% of them that i talked to are independent and in-depth thinkers, who suggest me to look at things from different angles. and we could only imagine how much more we can grow if we get in).
calculate your own opportunity cost and sure you will get an answer. Our time spent to perfect & submit the application is fun and valuable, just as a reference.
Like all things in startup life - nothing is easy, everything is hard. To me it sounds like you've given up already.
If you don't have the fire in your belly to overcome challenges, then chances are you probably won't be very good at building a successful company.
"soul crushing", "lottery" are words that people who easily give up use. Where's the fire, where's the ambition?
That's one of the most important things I'm looking for in the founding team when I read applications. I want to see determination, fire in the soul, and an ambition to go out there and make amazing things happen.
A great founding team can take a shitty idea and still make a success out of it, a shitty team can take a great idea and make nothing out of it.
I wish I can show you the fire in me about my startup! If you were knew me you were seen the determination. But 20 fellowship where min 10 will be remote out of 6500, dont you agree the lottery part. Can people say rejection email from YC is not soul crashing(), unless you knew it will not work out.
It's true that I gave up applying to YC but not my dreams!
If you are truly determined, and will stop at nothing to build a successful startup, then I strongly encourage you to apply for YC and don't worry about your chances or treating it as a lottery.
Yes, it sucks not getting into YC. I know, I didn't get in the first time I applied, it felt shitty for a day, but then I just went on with building my startup regardless. I applied again the following year and this time we did get in. I didn't give up or think about our chances once.
Determination is not something you say, it's something you do, especially when the odds are stacked up against you. So if you are determined, apply for YC, don't over think it, then keep moving forward with your world domination plans.
IMO, if you've got your act together, it shouldn't be too difficult. The questions it poses related to your startup are ones you should be thinking about day in and day out anyways, and should have easy answers to. If you don't know how to acquire users or what your product's value proposition is, you're dead in the water anyways. The questions about your and your cofounder's accomplishments can be tricky, but in the same vein, if you can't sell yourself properly, you'll have trouble with conventional applications for college, jobs etc. anyways, let alone raising funds. On the flip side, if you can address the tough questions about your startup properly, you just might be able to do well without them, in which case, who cares whether you get accepted or not?
At some point you are going to have to sell at your startup. You are going to have to sell yourself. Selling is a soul crushing, time consuming lottery. But every once in a while its brilliant. If you think YC application is tough, try selling to customers. ;) You don't have to apply to YC, but my advice is that you should probably make peace with the idea.
If you see selling your company as a lottery then you fouled your self long time ago about what you are doing in life.
I do like my work/effort speak for itself. I do respect your opinion and have a peace with it.
The very premise that an idea will get you money is BS. I guess this is a cultural change and there are those who love it and those who hate it. I fall on the later and miss days where startups in garage could bring down huge corporation and it was all about building. Now, it seems most startups are part of a big corporation via funding and we mostly get to see a plethora of names ending with "ly" or an "xyz" clone. So, on paper they say stop thinking about money and yet everything becomes about it. A bit of a double standard I would say.
41 comments
[ 21.5 ms ] story [ 668 ms ] threadYC is a leg up, not the ultimate be-all and end-all of getting your startup on it's feet.
Explore your other options. :)
i think problem is wys is not wyg. Someone wants to surf and we are becoming the wave.
I would love to hear alternatives.
I would still do it. The worst that will happen is that they say "no".
They eventually do share the ideas; just not in the beginning. Some companies announce themselves in the beginning and some don't. Eventually we will hear about them when Demo Day comes around. This is a post listing the recent class: http://blog.ycombinator.com/congratulations-to-the-yc-summer...
This is a compiled list of all the companies that have ever attended YC and their status (though it seems it hasn't been updated yet): http://yclist.com/
They are getting a huge database to mine. You share your idea, progress and other things, but they dont even get time to provide a feedback! Not even focus on this or that type. Also dont forget stupid show us if we were wrong type sentences.
https://www.reddit.com/r/startups/comments/39kswc/vc_rejecti...
https://medium.com/@bchesky/7-rejections-7d894cbaa084
I haven't heard any stories where YC used their database nefariously and gave away ideas to other founders. This is interesting though, I'll keep this in mind.
YC always said it was more about the founders than the idea, so applying is nothing like doing a business model canvas or whatever. That said, I think it is still very worthy to apply if you think you are a YC-type founder. I just do not buy that applying is an exercise worthy for itself.
> YC always said it was more about the founders than the idea
I've heard this before. I do believe it's true, but only after the initial idea. They have had some cases where the founders applied with an idea, got accepted, and then found out that their initial idea wasn't going to take off. Now they are really investing in you, the founder, over your idea. The stories of Optimizely (https://soundcloud.com/akharris/startup-school-radio-ep-3-pe...) and Codecademy come to mind.
As as Solo founder do you have hope at all when it comes to applying to YC? Please no BS about startups are hard you need help thing!
I guess the ideal situation from both YC's perspective and a founder's is when the application is mostly exhaust fumes from impassioned existing execution: when the effort to produce the content of the application is something that the founder(s) are committed to independently of the YC process. Their goal is to add momentum not overcoming inertia.
YC is a popular game of chance. It's not the only one. It's targeted at a particular type of player, not everyone. Building something provides several other options.
Good luck.
Of course that's just a guess based hanging around on HN not inside information or drinks with YC alums.
Graduated from or attended Stanford or an ivy league school (but preferably specifically Stanford). Proven track record of success. Under 30. Without family ties. Has impressive hacks they can mention on their application. Has a product with current traction. Has a product with unicorn upside potential ($1B possibilities). Product is very early in its lifecycle. Not a single founder (preferably two to three). Can sell the startup quickly (this is important if you make it to the interview) and address potential issues with the business plan.
But remember that at this point, they probably only interview 1 in 500 applications if that, so there's a lot of chance involved as well.
Stop worrying about YC. Work hard (for someone else), learn everything you can, save your money, and think a lot. When you have the resources then start a bootstrapped business and never look back.
One of the big changes that have happened over the last few years is that the resources you need to start a tech business is much reduced to the point that one skilled person with relatively modest savings can start and build a serious business. Get on with acquiring the skills and resources you need to start without needing outside investors.
YC is a business with the aim of making money. Only certain types of businesses and founders are of interest to them and if you don’t fit then you are best to stay well away.
http://www.tillett.info/2015/06/24/why-i-kept-my-startup-in-...
for us, we apply because we realize how much we can learn (why do we know before even get in? i have talked to a lot of YC alum, and 90% of them that i talked to are independent and in-depth thinkers, who suggest me to look at things from different angles. and we could only imagine how much more we can grow if we get in).
If you don't have the fire in your belly to overcome challenges, then chances are you probably won't be very good at building a successful company.
"soul crushing", "lottery" are words that people who easily give up use. Where's the fire, where's the ambition?
That's one of the most important things I'm looking for in the founding team when I read applications. I want to see determination, fire in the soul, and an ambition to go out there and make amazing things happen.
A great founding team can take a shitty idea and still make a success out of it, a shitty team can take a great idea and make nothing out of it.
It's true that I gave up applying to YC but not my dreams!
Yes, it sucks not getting into YC. I know, I didn't get in the first time I applied, it felt shitty for a day, but then I just went on with building my startup regardless. I applied again the following year and this time we did get in. I didn't give up or think about our chances once.
Determination is not something you say, it's something you do, especially when the odds are stacked up against you. So if you are determined, apply for YC, don't over think it, then keep moving forward with your world domination plans.
More here: http://imars.posthaven.com/so-you-didnt-get-into-yc-now-what