I reached out to several YC founders to review my application; they shared some valuable feedback and here is how it went.
Stats:
1) Contacted YC Alumni = 15
2) YC Alumni's that actually responded = 5
3) YC Alumni's that recommended = 2
Did we get in? Does not look like it, que sera sera.
What I have learned:
1) Communication is critical. Reviewers use their 'gut', which is susceptible to unconscious bias. Concisely and impressively describe yourself and your idea; never throw buzzwords, exaggerate your merits, or focus on vanity metrics. What they want to see is a founder that can build, sell, and learn.
2) YC prioritizes industries based on risk profiling: B2B AI, DevTools, and OS projects with traction. Location, school, and previous founder experience plays a huge role. Consumer products have lower chances, contradicting their top valued companies; times have changed.
3) Luck plays a role. 3000+ people vying for a 270-capacity batch is competitive, and beyond your control. Depends on your reviewer's mood, preferences, industry understanding or if they even read it. Don't take it personal, it was free to apply.
What's next:
Work and iterate on your idea pals. Undoubtably, YC has a great distribution advantage, investor network access, and mentorship that will help your startup, but it is not the only path to success. As long as you get people to pay for your idea, you have a startup, just keep taking care of your customers. GL.
For us, we got invited to apply to TechStars, and striking partnerships to improve our distribution. Probably change the name too lol.
What you can pre-YC:
Use local incubators, apply for startup credits, try grants, and keep talking to strangers.
Our YC Application: YC Application Google Drive
YC Alumni Feedback: YC Application Review Comments GDrive
If you also have feedback for me, please DM
.
Also, to the Alums that took their time to review
.
Stats:
1) Contacted YC Alumni = 15
2) YC Alumni's that actually responded = 5
3) YC Alumni's that recommended = 2
Did we get in? Does not look like it, que sera sera.
What I have learned:
1) Communication is critical. Reviewers use their 'gut', which is susceptible to unconscious bias. Concisely and impressively describe yourself and your idea; never throw buzzwords, exaggerate your merits, or focus on vanity metrics. What they want to see is a founder that can build, sell, and learn.
2) YC prioritizes industries based on risk profiling: B2B AI, DevTools, and OS projects with traction. Location, school, and previous founder experience plays a huge role. Consumer products have lower chances, contradicting their top valued companies; times have changed.
3) Luck plays a role. 3000+ people vying for a 270-capacity batch is competitive, and beyond your control. Depends on your reviewer's mood, preferences, industry understanding or if they even read it. Don't take it personal, it was free to apply.
What's next:
Work and iterate on your idea pals. Undoubtably, YC has a great distribution advantage, investor network access, and mentorship that will help your startup, but it is not the only path to success. As long as you get people to pay for your idea, you have a startup, just keep taking care of your customers. GL.
For us, we got invited to apply to TechStars, and striking partnerships to improve our distribution. Probably change the name too lol.
What you can pre-YC:
Use local incubators, apply for startup credits, try grants, and keep talking to strangers.
Our YC Application: YC Application Google Drive
YC Alumni Feedback: YC Application Review Comments GDrive
If you also have feedback for me, please DM
.Also, to the Alums that took their time to review
.