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Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

ycombinator.com

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Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#11

Post by patrickod »

bitsweet wrote: post #9
brandnewlow wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Solution: Don't be a solo founder. I spent a few years trying to go that route. It's death. Death. If you can't sell someone else on joining up, how on earth are you going to sell someone in giving you money?

I can see two ways of finding partners: 1) Your existing social circle 2) Networking with like-minded strangers at meetups/community Regarding, 1, not everyone in a social circle can A) add unique value, B) be in a position to take on the risks, or C) desire entrepreneurship, perhaps being a better first employee As far as networking approach, having a good partnership surely would increase % of success. But a partne…

The 3 months of YC will be some of the hardest you work and you'll be working in extreme close proximity to your co-founders. If you don't go the solo route, just keep in mind that when looking for a co-founder you want someone who will happily go through that with you.

Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#12

Post by patrickod »

Shenglong wrote: post #2

pg - if one of the co-founders who won't be the CEO lives far away on another continent, is it required that he/she show up for the interview? While I don't expect this to be a problem either way, we're just thinking of ways to minimize costs. Edit: I'm talking specifically about the interview. If accepted, we'd both come down.

My co-founder and I both couldn't make it to interview. He flew out and I interviewed over a video chat via Skype. It's not a problem at all.

Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#13

Post by spoiledtechie »

Shameless plug: I want to do this 100%. I have exhausted every single person I know who codes for the passed 4 years. It pretty much comes down to "They don't want to do the work and are completely happy in their current job".

If anyone is interested, I would love to be your co-founder.

I have built several websites. I am experienced in both C# and Java. Ive built several Android Apps. I know DBs like the back of my hand and I have DRIVE.

I have an amazing idea. Ya of course everyone says that, but I really do. Its a total niche idea and it has the ability to make money from both users and sponsors alike through subscriptions and sales from the application. I am currently iterating the idea my self through the night, but would love for someone to jump on board. This niche is supported by well over 1000 groups willing to pay good money. There is no competition to the point I want to bring the idea.

I want to apply, but I am totally a Solo here. Anyone want to co-found an idea? I want someone who is 100% ready to jump in.

Contact me.

spoiledtechie with gmail

Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#14

Post by Shenglong »

patrickod wrote: post #12
Shenglong wrote: post #2

pg - if one of the co-founders who won't be the CEO lives far away on another continent, is it required that he/she show up for the interview? While I don't expect this to be a problem either way, we're just thinking of ways to minimize costs. Edit: I'm talking specifically about the interview. If accepted, we'd both come down.

My co-founder and I both couldn't make it to interview. He flew out and I interviewed over a video chat via Skype. It's not a problem at all.

Wonderful - thank you for the information!

Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#17

Post by throwaway_1971 »

I would like to ask a question.

We have a product. We have beta customers and it seems we will have revenue of about $30K/year (that is according to survey of existing customers). We believe the revenue should be 100M/year :) But we are not sure if we know what we don't know.

We are old (in 40s) and geeks (never did any business before but we dreamed about).

Does it make sense for us apply to Y combinator? Meaning what path would be the most efficient for us?

Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#19

Post by marcomonteiro »

throwaway_1971 wrote: post #17

I would like to ask a question. We have a product. We have beta customers and it seems we will have revenue of about $30K/year (that is according to survey of existing customers). We believe the revenue should be 100M/year :) But we are not sure if we know what we don't know. We are old (in 40s) and geeks (never did any business before but we dreamed about). Does it make sense for us apply to Y combinator? Meaning wh…

Why not? I applied previously not so much for the money but rather the mentorship, advice and relationships that could be built.

Don't sell yourselves short because your "old". Sell the fact that your mature, disciplined and responsible enough to commit to this company and bring tremendous experiences along with you.

Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding

#20

Post by pclark »

throwaway_1971 wrote: post #17

I would like to ask a question. We have a product. We have beta customers and it seems we will have revenue of about $30K/year (that is according to survey of existing customers). We believe the revenue should be 100M/year :) But we are not sure if we know what we don't know. We are old (in 40s) and geeks (never did any business before but we dreamed about). Does it make sense for us apply to Y combinator? Meaning wh…

age is irrelevant, you should do it.
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