Ask HN: Has Hacker News killed the stealth mode start up?

Certainly there are still stealth mode startups out there. But, why?

HN has become an awesome resource to test the waters. Whether just throwing out and idea or submitting a web app, the community here always responds honestly and thoughtfully.

To me it seems the feedback you can obtain from the HN community out weighs the risk of some one stealing your idea.

2 comments

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ismarc 16y ago ↗

I see stealth-mode startups differently. They aren't to prevent "theft" of an idea. Instead, they're designed around using that first big opening to secure a position to grow from. Where general feedback may help, it would lessen this impact when the time did come.

mbrubeck 16y ago ↗

I'm working at http://kiha.com/ and we've been in stealth mode for well over a year. For us it's partly about working together with partners who want a big, coordinated launch. Personally I agree that stealth mode is overrated, but our investors and leaders feel it's worth it for us.