If nothing else this was a great tour of interesting pg essays. Thanks for writing.
I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
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Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#42As someone who knows a significant number of YC folks, I have to say the most inspiring thing about the entire organization is how normal everyone is. There's this expectation that there's "something different" that separates successful startup founders from "common folk". And it just doesn't exist. I think the barrier of intimidation is one of the biggest things most people aren't fortunate enough to experience. Lik…
Agree and disagree.
I don't think everyone is Superman but I have the impression that while they all seem normal, the applicants must be very competitive. By that, I mean many must show something impressive that separates them from the others.
This doesn't mean they can shoot lasers from their eyes but they must show some entrepreneurial spirit or have accomplished something great/interesting/cool beforehand.
As someone who didn't get into YC, I do agree with your final statement. No reason you can't do a startup.
And, after reading this, I'm reminded I should re-apply. :)
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#43Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't think many people actually think that. We've said publicly many times that we'd be pleasantly surprised if the success rate was as high as 50%.
You may be pleased by a 50% success rate, but how many of the 50% who don't succeed will be pleased? (Not just being facetious -- I've heard stories about YCers whose companies failed being hired by other YC companies or otherwise finding good positions as a result of their YC experience, but a few anecdotes is no substitute for data.)
Another anecdote for you:
I fall in the 50% who did not succeed. I stepped down from Contagion Health (imoveyou.com, S2010) at the end of our batch, but my co-founder Jen is still at it and looking for a new co-founder.
Reasons for failure aside, I have no regrets at all. It was a completely amazing experience with amazing people and amazing opportunities. I'm still very close with many companies from my batch and actively helping a couple of those.
I can't say I would have done anything differently since I wouldn't want to miss out on any part of what happened.
"Not succeeding" is not so bad. Life goes on while I work on my next project, this time focusing on building revenue instead of raising money—a refreshing change. I don't know if my current project is a great fit for YC yet, but I can definitely see myself applying for YC again someday.
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#44I don't know, for me it is a weird story of someone desperately seeking acceptance of his fetish named Paul Graham (in the text he mentions PG sixteen(!) times by name) and now his suffering is come to an end. Sincere congratulations, though, Wilhelm, I hope now you can start living the life again.
It's pretty natural to mention the people you work with a lot, and YC startups work with PG a lot. I'd mention my coworkers a bunch too in my comments, except that they're not public figures like PG is, and I want to protect their privacy.
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#45As a single founder who just submitted their application this article makes me happy. If this kind of attitude and traction is what they're looking for then I think I do have a pretty good shot. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of it.
Just applied as a single founder as well ... good luck!
Thanks! Good luck to you too.
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#46Wanted to thank you for this post; some of your quotes about co-founders describe the trials and tribulations we've already been through in the 6 months we've been working full time on our startup. Great read!
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#47+1 for finally getting in. From what you write, it seems to me that you got into YC at a point when knew the game quite well. The learning was in getting in.
So what's your take away from all of it? Is it the YC network and the resourcefulness of YC founders, or is there more to it?
PS: I strongly believe in the adage, "if you want to be smart, surround yourself with smart people". From that POV, I understand that being connected to YC founders itself gives you tools that would otherwise be inaccessible to you. Still I wanna hear that from you, since you're in a better position to ascertain that.
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#48Founders are more savvy now, and no longer ask questions like, "So when we get money from investors, when do we have to pay them back?"
So if you do get $$ from investors, when do you have to pay them back?
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#49Founders are more savvy now, and no longer ask questions like, "So when we get money from investors, when do we have to pay them back?" So if you do get $$ from investors, when do you have to pay them back?
If it is a convertible bond, that isn't really as silly a question as the article makes it out to be, and is very relevant given Yuri Milner's convertible bond offer - in which case I believe the answer is "1 year, unless Yuri decides to exercise the option to convert".
Re: I got into YC after applying 6 times. Here's my advice for YC applicants
#50One of the better posts on the subject. So ... wanna review my app? :)
Everything I could tell you about your application, I've written in the post. :) The only other than I'd add is to write less. Get to the point. Clear language is indicative of clear thinking (something I'm still learning myself). It's easy to slide into formal writing because that's what we're all use to in college, but it'll kill you here. Use short easy words. Use simple sentences. Cut out words that don't get to…
"I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time." - Pascal
Most of the time you spend writing your YC application should be on making it clearer and removing unnecessary words.