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[Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

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[Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

#1

Post by infoseckid »

Hi Guys,

I am running a small startup based out of India which has got decent traction and is promising ;) in my mind.

I had a bunch of questions and I'd really be grateful if other YC company founders outside the US or anyone with the knowledge can help:

1. Lets say I get in and do a good demo day - is being based outside the US going to ward off potential investors?

2. Is it possible if I get a US investor (institutional or angel of good standing), then I can sponsor my work visa? and run my company in the US?

3. Can anyone who was initially based outside the US and has managed to get his company funded after YC and gotten a work visa as well - enlighten me about how it worked out?

I've been working day and night on my idea and just want to ensure I know what I am getting into.

Thanks Guys!

Re: [Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

#2

Post by brackin »

I'm not a YC founder so I'm sure those that are will be able to offer some specific advice but I know plenty of YC founders that have gone through this and I'm from the UK and applying for Winter 2013.

1. Usually companies that haven't incorporated outside of the US will register as a US company. If your visa situation isn't completely sorted it can be a slight deterrent to some investors but not enough to put anyone off. Usually not because you're not from the US but because getting kicked out of a country can put a founder in a tough place. There are many YC companies that do it every year and guys like Joel and Leo (AngelPad) from BufferApp raised their seed round for a US company from top investors and while they get their visa they've based their company in other countries.

2. There is a Visa for Angel Investors but I don't believe there is a visa doing the opposite. Of course if you have a degree your options open up considerably. It is technically somewhat possible to sponsor your own H1B but since you're a founder of the company and major shareholder, I doubt this would be accepted.

3. A lot of people I know go for the O-1A visa. Which is for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement. If you can show getting into YC and success of your company has value to the US you will be able to say for up to three years at which point you can extend or look at your other options. It's not inexpensive or easy but is a good bet.

More info here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b...

Re: [Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

#6

Post by MojoJolo »

nchuhoai wrote: post #5
MojoJolo wrote: post #4

This question is also in my mind. Will tourist visa work for YC?

That would be a question I have as well. AFAIK know, there it no Visa suited for YC unless you can do ESTA.

Someone told me that you can't register a business or incorporate a company as a tourist. So maybe, tourist visa will not work for YC? Because AFAIK you need to be incorporated in YC, right?

Also, can you explain ESTA to me?

Re: [Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

#7

Post by dschiptsov »

I think you should follow the standard procedure first http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html so, make a video, fill the forms http://ycombinator.com/apply.html and submit them.

btw, in doing so you will clarify and refine your ideas, that is why they insist on this procedure. It saves not just their time, but your time and money.

Now a few things to consider. There are, of course, many people were relocated to work for, or create a startup in Valley. This is the crucial point - YC supports only US-based startups.

They have power, connections, influence and almost unlimited money in valley, but can't do anything outside US. There are other connected guys in other countries.) So, you will work for them in US or, if your idea is that good, will bootstrap your company in the US (with them as privileged stockholders).

There is no way they can finance any business outside US, and you should try to find a domestic investors.)

Re: [Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

#9

Post by MojoJolo »

dschiptsov wrote: post #7

I think you should follow the standard procedure first http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html so, make a video, fill the forms http://ycombinator.com/apply.html and submit them. btw, in doing so you will clarify and refine your ideas, that is why they insist on this procedure. It saves not just their time, but your time and money. Now a few things to consider. There are, of course, many people were relocated to work…

Correct me if I'm wrong but is 9gag (YC 12) a Hong Kong based startup?

Re: [Ask HN] Applying to Y Combinator from outside the US - Some Questions

#10

Post by mattrichardson »

dschiptsov wrote: post #7

I think you should follow the standard procedure first http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html so, make a video, fill the forms http://ycombinator.com/apply.html and submit them. btw, in doing so you will clarify and refine your ideas, that is why they insist on this procedure. It saves not just their time, but your time and money. Now a few things to consider. There are, of course, many people were relocated to work…

This is not true. There are YC companies based outside the US. Songkick is the first that springs to mind, based in London.

IIRC, you can take your company back to any country (I'm sure they'll quiz you, why you think it's appropriate.) You will, however, need to move to SV for three months after a successful application and interview. After that, it's up to you..

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