Sorry if this has been asked/answered before: is there a disadvantage to applying multiple times? In other words, is it better to wait until you are totally sure you have your strongest application, or is it worth taking the risk, and then applying again when you are further along with your project?
Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
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Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#22I 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…
That's a big question. Let me attempt to answer it by breaking it down.
> We have a product
Several of the hottest companies in the last batch had been around for years before YC. Also, AirBnB.
> We are old.
I don't think that's an issue. Ever since the announcement of the Start Fund, YC has seen more and more seasoned founders come in. My -favorite- company in the S11 batch is a group of wickedly-smart guys in their 30s who've never started a company before.
> Does it make sense for us to apply to YC?
Depends. YC gives you exposure, business and investment contacts, operational help, and focus. For many companies, those things move the needle. If you're willing to give up a minuscule slice of your company to open up growth opportunities, then do it.
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#23How many solo founders were accepted in summer 2011? Has the % accepted increased with the larger class size?
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Third time's a charm. Good luck. For what it's worth keep the focus on you. YC companies have changed ideas mid-term many times from what I've noticed and it seems they're entirely interested in the individual members of the team.
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#24Sorry if this has been asked/answered before: is there a disadvantage to applying multiple times? In other words, is it better to wait until you are totally sure you have your strongest application, or is it worth taking the risk, and then applying again when you are further along with your project?
I applied for Summer 11 and didn't get in and I'm still serious about what I'm doing so I'm applying again. If nothing else maybe they'll remember me and if I dont get in there's always the next session. It doesn't hurt to keep putting yourself out there. Good luck.
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#25I'm looking for some co-founders for the next cycle. Tried my social circles and ran into the competence and drive issue that many of you probably experienced. If you are interested we should definitely talk. Shoot me an email at carden.justin@gmail.com
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#26I started looking for a cofounder about a month ago. I am not sure if I will find one by October 31st but the search is on.
How is this evaluated on the application?
Also, there was a recent clarification by the USCIS that a H1-B visa holder can work for his/her own company.
Is YC cognizant of this and can it help the visa holder jump through any hoops (legal or otherwise) to be a H1-B start-up founder?
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#27Sorry if this has been asked/answered before: is there a disadvantage to applying multiple times? In other words, is it better to wait until you are totally sure you have your strongest application, or is it worth taking the risk, and then applying again when you are further along with your project?
I applied for Summer 11 and didn't get in and I'm still serious about what I'm doing so I'm applying again. If nothing else maybe they'll remember me and if I dont get in there's always the next session. It doesn't hurt to keep putting yourself out there. Good luck.
There were multiple companies in my batch (S10) that had applied multiple times. One company had actually applied four or five times, I think.
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#28I'm apply last year (W11) but was rejected. Now I know why - not because I'm russian, just my idea was a totally shit. Thanks PG, that you reject me. I got many ideas since last year - Startups Franchise, Help Button to any smartphones and many other, I invent new XML-format RSS+ and tons of many ohers great things. Now I got an idea, that 85% of G+ techbloggers say 'this is realy cool' because this is really cool, not because I'm think so. This is a startup, that can grow fast and make good cashflow. September, 15 Steve Blank come to Moscow and I'm pitch him with it. If him also say 'cool' I'm apply. I have a great cofounder - IP lawyer from New Delhi. We can do it, PG.
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#29I 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…
nobody in YC will ever hold your age against you. It's a complete non-issue. If you want to develop this idea then you should apply.
Re: Applications Open for Winter 2012 YC Funding
#30Sorry if this has been asked/answered before: is there a disadvantage to applying multiple times? In other words, is it better to wait until you are totally sure you have your strongest application, or is it worth taking the risk, and then applying again when you are further along with your project?
Take the risk and apply. They are looking for brilliant people and are willing to mold and improve your idea or give you an entirely new idea if they like your team. While there needs to be a basic concept/product there, they really do count the team much higher than the idea.
Go for it and good luck!