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Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

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Re: Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

#51

Post by benreyes »

skbohra123 wrote: post #29
jlm382 wrote: post #11

inDinero saw rejection many times before getting into Y Combinator... We applied (and got rejected in the first round) from the U.C. Berkeley Business Plan competition first in spring of 2009, then again in the spring of 2010. We also got turned away from TechStars during Spring 2009. We also tried raising angel money in the summer of 2009 and couldn't get a single commitment. It's not all fun and roses. This kept us…

Why didn't you apply to YC in first place ? Or any specific reason to apply to others first ?

I find this interesting, because is it wise to apply to YC with an idea and face rejection or keep building and working on your product until you meet the common sets of attributes that YC looks for in founders. Thus making a better first impression and progressing the product further.

My opinion is that YC is a catalyst to further your startup and not the end all to make things happen.

Re: Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

#52

Post by thaumaturgy »

skbohra123 wrote: post #10

I would prefer to say 'not seleted' instead of saying 'rejected' . Getting not selected giving me lots of energy and Ideas for future. This is amazing.

That's actually a subtle-but-important distinction. Everyone so far seems to be describing this using the word "rejection", which can carry some pretty strong connotations, especially in the geek/tech crowd.

I wonder if changing the wording of the "not selected" email slightly would cause people to stop associating it with rejection?

Re: Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

#53

Post by anmol »

Just to add to the other comments, don't let this bother you.

Remember, your goal is to build a solid tech business, not appease YC or anyone else. Not to take away from the value YC and PG add, but there were tech companies before YC, and its just a stepping stone to your final target.

Ultimately, all that matters is (a) awesome product/technology (b) users/customers.

More likely, if the problem you're solving isn't important, talk to real customers or find a friend you trust who will.

Re: Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

#54

Post by vnce »

I really like the way the this letter is crafted. It's sensitive to the founders, and is upfront about the reality: there are more promising groups than available spots. I'm struck not only by YC's admission that they will invariably miss good groups, but that they'd like to keep in touch to learn from their mistakes.

You certainly don't see that humility everyday from institutions of any size. Other organizations should take note. A personal tone goes a long way.

Re: Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

#55

Post by neilxdsouza »

I wasn't selected either. Our idea was Market Research compilers for scripting surveys and data processing. It's not directly a web related application and maybe the market is too niche and too small, but I'm sure I can create a subscription based business out of it. Prototypes of the compilers are hosted here http://sourceforge.net/projects/xtcc . Over the last month I've been working on Ramen profitability. I'm developing a tool that allows you to develop a web application using create table statements in about 20 minutes. It's hosted here http://github.com/neilxdsouza/codehelper.git and is coming along nicely. I will use it to take on some typical ERP-like projects for small companies where the big players feel the money is too small to pitch for ( like USD 1000 dollar projects)

Re: Y Combinator W2011 application (my rejection email)

#57

Post by liedra »

zavulon wrote: post #45
ajju wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I married the first one, over half a life time ago. Some times you just get lucky. Edit: Before I get uber-up/down-voted into oblivion and challenged because I am not 50, the accurate version of this statement should read "I married the first one, whom I started dating over half a life time ago". Still going strong though :)

Wow.. you're the only person I'm aware of where that actually worked out for the best. Congratulations!

I'm still with the first person I ever dated, almost 13 years later :) we're not interested in the marriage thing, or we'd probably be married! There's a lot to be said for good communication, shared experiences, and open minds. That probably goes the same for a startup too, haha. :)
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