When should a startup start to monetize? Currently we are building a user base and iterating the product based on feedback. What do you think about delaying monetization?
I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
461–470 of 757 posts
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#462Have you ever considered funding enough to attract people who have financial obligations, such as kids, a spouse and a mortgage? It seems like a huge, untapped, resource that no one else is going after.
People in that situation usually save up money before applying to YC. I think this is the right answer--it seems important to startup's health that they get started on little capital.
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#463Hi Sam, In the Winter 15 class there was not a single startup from the African continent. Are you guys interested in startups that are targeting emerging markets?
Yes!
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#464Sam, I know you guys support nonprofit startups. But do you donate? Does YCombinator have a program for supporting nonprofits by the traditional means (ie giving them money), or is that something you do as individuals only, not as a company?
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#465I'm a PhD student in operations research interesting in working for a company addressing a global problem via an approach with low probability of success but high expected value. Think Helion, Ambri, Firefly (the rockets), Planetary Resources, Immunity Project, etc. The thought being any one of these companies will likely fail, but if 5% of them succeed, that's hugely beneficial for society.
What advice can you give?
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#466Would you consider funding a startup with an open source product/idea? If so, under what circumstances (if that's even answerable)?
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#467What frustrates you the most about YC? What would you like to see change?
It seems like a bad thing that YC has gotten to the point where people stop me on street and ask to take a selfie. I'm not sure what to do about it, though.
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#468I haven't had much luck finding the right cofounder despite meeting thousands of people over the past few years so clearly there's a problem. A few months ago I decided that the problem was probably me since I'm far from perfect so I've been spending considerable time on self improvement by working to define and embody our vision, mission and culture (while continuing to hammer away on product).
Is quality the right thing to focus on at this stage or should I just play the numbers game?
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#469Hello Sam, Any plans to open up a YC hub in Mexico. The startup scene is in an infant stage but it seems to be growing very fast. 500 startup is already funding companies here[1]. Thank you! [1] http://500mexicocity.com/
No--but we are delighted when founders come here, learn and make connection in SV, and then go back to their home country!
Re: I Am Sam Altman, President of Y Combinator. AMA
#470Hi Sam,
How does YC look to foreign applications? Do you have any plan to make improvements for participation of foreigners like visa support, logistics etc.