11–20 of 57 posts
Why do everyone thinks that , if you got into YC , your company gonna be a sure bet ?
I think that if I got into YC it would be an amazing experience, I would learn an incredible amount, and I would meet and hopefully become friends with a great number of very interesting people.
That's why I want to do it.
But I don't think for a second that YC will make my company a sure bet. Just how I don't think for a second that I can't be successful without YC.
One of the better posts on the subject. So ... wanna review my app? :)
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 the point. You don't have to explain everything. Just explain the crux and the core.
I know, easier said than done. I'm a bit sheepish that my post was so long, but I cut as much as I could in the time that I had.
Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of it.
Earlier 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%.
hmm. Then that's really contradicts this post.
Earlier 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%.
hmm. Then that's really contradicts this post.
These are qualities for successful founders, not successful companies. There are a myriad of reasons why a startup might fail. Having founders with the traits outlined in this essay helps prevent the founders from being one of those reasons. That's why YC looks for these traits.
Since YC screens applicants, they can select the ones they feel are best suited for success. Based on past experience, those with the traits in this essay are the most successful. Minimizing the founders as the source of failure means YC might have more successes, on average.
As pg said, even YC would be surprised if their "success" rate is more than 50%. Being accepted into YC doesn't guarantee success... Creating a successful company is hard!
People who are passionate are more likely to stick it out to the end. It is something I think that's pretty hard to fake.
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.
Like I said, I know more than a few YC folks, I've interviewed (and was rejected) once from YC, and every person I've met struck me as utterly normal in most ways. They merely possessed a bit more experience and in general know a tad more than the average person.
There's no reason you can't do a startup right this instant. Do not let YC's rejection/acceptance dictate your path.