Why do you want to get in the YC?

#1

Post by abbasmehdi » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 1:37 AM UTC

I've noticed the strong interest in getting admitted, can you justify it? I'm curious to know.

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#2

Post by Mz » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 2:03 AM UTC

I haven't applied. I started an application once but didn't finish it. I talked about that previously. I still kind of wistfully wish I could apply but it really doesn't fit my situation and I have other plans. I don't really know how to explain why I "wish" I could. Perhaps just the standard theme of my life of regretting that "normal" never works for me (due to health issues, among other things). I've spent much of my life frustrated that I have the brains and all that but still can't find "success" on conventional terms. Part of me still wishes I had some kind of recognition. Most of me is mostly content that I've done the right thing and all other choices would have been worse. Still, it sometimes feels like being grateful for having been crapped on by life. :-/

My prior related remarks are here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1827795

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#3

Post by wordchute » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 2:03 AM UTC

More than anything else, it sounds like a great way to surround yourself with smart, creative people with a lot of ideas - sometimes you just need someone who doesn't know your project intimately to just point out the obvious or provide some constructive criticism. It seems like a strong network (including the alumni) of like-minded people working towards similar goals and a passion for doing what they like to do.

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#4

Post by marcomonteiro » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 2:16 AM UTC

1) The YC staff and Alumni possess a wealth of knowledge that would be available to you.

2) To get out of your bubble. Being surrounded by other intelligent individuals all working toward demo day helps you stay focused and keep moving.

3) The experience. Being able to have gone through the YC system wouldn't hurt.

4) The seed money would be a huge help.

5) Access to VC's with the YC brand name behind you. So again, the money.

6) The alumni network. I hear it is extremely supportive even after YC.

Disclaimer: I applied to Summer '11

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#5

Post by stray » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 2:35 AM UTC

It was actually a bit of an afterthought.

We are going to try another startup anyway -- and we realized just days before the deadline that YC was a possibility (though a bit of a long-shot). So we gave it a shot. It's just one of hundreds of things we'll try...

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#6

Post by katieben » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 2:38 AM UTC

1. Pre-built structure to be around lots of awesome people and advice from the startup Godfather himself 2. Money to attract a cofounder 3. Vote of confidence from pg

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#7

Post by abbasmehdi » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 9:34 AM UTC

My reasons: avoid rookie and preventable mistakes, be surrounded by teams on a mission, and have some structure.

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#8

Post by revorad » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 10:23 AM UTC

To work with the best people in the field.

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#9

Post by Punter » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 1:59 PM UTC

to get things right, the first time...

Re: Why do you want to get in the YC?

#10

Post by abbasmehdi » Sat, Apr 09, 2011, 5:28 PM UTC

Mz wrote: post #2

I haven't applied. I started an application once but didn't finish it. I talked about that previously. I still kind of wistfully wish I could apply but it really doesn't fit my situation and I have other plans. I don't really know how to explain why I "wish" I could. Perhaps just the standard theme of my life of regretting that "normal" never works for me (due to health issues, among other things). I've spent much of…

Your story is really moving. Have you found a techie co founder?