Founders point to advice, accountability, and support from YC partners. Some wanted candid feedback from partners such as Cible, and valued learning from investors who had built companies themselves.
50 Founders Share Why They Applied To Y Combinator
Unidentified Y Combinator founders explain why they applied to YC, citing mentorship, community, credibility, and support for building companies across different markets.
Founders describe the YC network as a community of peers who understand the challenges of starting a company. Friends who had completed earlier batches helped them see the value of that support and shared resources.
Some applicants had followed YC through Hacker News and Paul Graham’s essays. Others cited its track record and name recognition, including two female founders in construction and fintech who wanted additional backing and support.
One founder said YC’s reputation could help attract strong hires. They also valued the funding, a three-month program, and Demo Day as a time-bound goal for getting the company ready.
Founders in emerging markets said YC validation could help where funding is less available, and that the network offered access to people and partners in the Bay Area. A team building Gusto for the Middle East and North Africa described its market as nascent and wanted to learn from YC-backed companies.
Takeaways
- Choose an accelerator for the feedback and accountability you need, not only the funding.
- A founder community can help when friends and colleagues cannot relate to startup challenges.
- Reputation may help with hiring and credibility, especially in markets where funding is harder to find.
- A fixed program timeline and Demo Day can create a useful near-term execution target.
- For companies outside established startup hubs, networks can offer access to peers, partners, and market experience.
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What was claimed 3
- feature
Y Combinator: Mentorship, advice, accountability, and direct feedback from group partners“The brand, community, and mentorship.”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- featureY Combinator: Founder network and community
“a great way to have a community of like-minded people”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- featureY Combinator: Funding and a three-month program culminating in Demo Day
“the right amount of money, the right amount of time”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
