Hey Aaron! My team applied earlier this week and we're eager to join the YC community. Are there any traits you look for in applicants? We've read tons of PG's essays but I'm interested in your perspective. Thank you for taking the time to do this AMA!
AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
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Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#72What do you look for when evaluating nonprofits?
Also, would you be open to funding a nonprofit in a similar space to one you've already funded that's doing things in a different way?
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#73Aaron, I am curious if there has been any further development on bringing back the YC radio podcast? I think that was a brilliant podcast and it offered a lot of valuable insight to others embarking down that path.
Aw thanks! I had a lot of fun doing it, but I think the podcast is done. We've started doing other cool things, though, like video office hours: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ-uHSnFig5PdSeZT05If...
Aaron, thanks for the link. Do you have the audio of these videos hosted anywhere as mp3?
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#74Is it unlikely for a startup in the mock / rendering stage to get accepted into YC?
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#75Is it unlikely for a startup in the mock / rendering stage to get accepted into YC?
Nope - we accept plenty of companies at that stage.
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#76Is it unlikely for a startup in the mock / rendering stage to get accepted into YC?
Nope - we accept plenty of companies at that stage.
What are some recent examples?
It would be particularly impressive for a team of ~2-3 people to:
- build a product
- handle legal/HR paperwork to set up a company + recruit + hire
- launch
- iterate based on feedback
- Get solid traction by demo day
in just 3 months (the duration of YC).
It seems to me that in the early days of YC, most companies would finish the YC program while still in the idea phase or barely past it, whereas most recent YC companies already have solid traction by demo day.
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#77What would you say the ratio of for-profit vs. non-profit applications is?
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#78We just pivoted to a new idea we always wanted to work on yesterday. In one day we did a lot. Is it a good idea to apply with a one day old idea? We have launched and have some traction on the previous idea, but it's not something we really want to work on.
Re: AMA with YC Partner Aaron Harris on Applying to YC – S17 Deadline Is Tonight
#79Hello, we have problem on being able to move to California if we where accepted. My wife will be carrying twins at that time. Is this a deal breaker for YC? If not how do I relay my issue? Thanks