How to Apply and Succeed at Y Combinator by Dalton Caldwell

[@miltonfriedmuck777]

if you are watching this, you are definitely getting in

[@rash_nerd]

Lol...I hope so

[@xxbysnipxx5983]

@@rash_nerd What are you making?

[@rash_nerd]

@@xxbysnipxx5983 Building a community for investing

[@xxbysnipxx5983]

@@rash_nerd How are you goona pitch Y Combinator to Y Combinator?

[@kamalk5962]

1.4 lakh views uhm uhmmm

[@khouse1554]

If you are applying and don’t get in don’t fret. I applied 3 times and they did not even give me an interview. Now, I run a successful biotech and just raised a $10M Series A. If YC chose to invest in my company a few years ago they would’ve made at least x10 on investment value (I have 3 clinical stage programs). Doesn’t seem they have ‘knowledgeable’ biopharmaceutical reviewers for the bio apps. Wish anyone good luck but again it’s not the end of the world if you don’t end up getting accepted! Might end up better for it :p

[@greenfish6000]

I think it's relatively well known that YC specializes in software. The further away from traditional software, the less likely they will look favorably upon you

[@zyberalai2400]

Good to know, thank you

[@VANCOUVERHOUSEFINDER]

Congrats

[@AdeelKhan1]

@@greenfish6000 Well, like Andreessen said many years ago, 'software is eating the world'. So, it makes rational sense for many software companies to get funded. That being said, YC funds across many verticals. And I believe new verticals are added as the need arises. Here is a snapshot of the top investments by YC www.ycombinator.com/topcompanies/ and you can see that companies across different verticals are getting funded.

[@AdeelKhan1]

@khouse Congrats on raising your Series A round.

[@TheScottGillies]

"If you are watching THIS VERY presentation, there is a good chance that YC is a great fit for you" @5:27 This is very encouraging!

[@trishalapunjabi9688]

I honestly feel that there is so so much value in just watching all these YC videos when you're starting to build a company, especially in the early stages. A huge huge thanks to YC for providing these amazing valuable pieces of content that can help startups all over the world

[@damelations]

Yjte

[@sharanya36]

Amazing presentation. What I learnt in a nutshell: Do your research, be extremely clear about your idea and tell it in a straightforward way. Demonstrate your seriousness and cut the BS.

[@andreasv9472]

Thank you! Second time I watch this :) I applied once and got feedback to bring in a tech-co founder for faster development so now I'm doing the co-founder dating dance, as well as up-skilling myself, and intend to make sure that this pain-point gets over-compensated :)

[@tdan89]

Watched this video twice...will return to it again, cause it has so much good info, that I'm certain that I didn't get everything :) Well done guys!

[@elifece7847]

I'm a SOLO founder!!! great to hear that I can apply

[@altitud2101]

Jkgkgkgkggkfjfjfjfjfjfjfjf

[@nguyenbang4942]

Me too

[@THEMATT222]

Same 👍

[@AP-gm1rc]

Me to :)

[@eddied155]

This is what I loved about yc when I went thru the program - they simplify the otherwise complex process of starting a tech biz. They simplify every single step of your journey from the application, the program, fundraising - so that you can focus on building something people want.

[@samirelzein1095]

Building your innovation and finding your own way to integrate it in the markets, that s your own unique problem without anyone publicly rubbing your ownership

[@mmdls602]

This episode of hosting the application process and clarity around it was a great idea, whoever came up with it, good job! Always like it when a company goes a step further to explain their "client" facing processes.

[@knowledgelover2736]

Thank you for making this video. The best time to see it was three years ago. The second best time to see it was today.

[@ozzyfromspace]

Tell the truth. Be simple. Answer the questions. Thank you for this lecture, it has given me confidence to apply for your next session. In the meantime, I'll just keep working on my project.

[@compucar03]

I am so freakin' excited for October 23. Even if we don't get an interview, deciding we were applying was a good impetus for us to ignore our day jobs and drive toward some business goals we had.

[@zerefX_]

Did your get in?

[@compucar03]

@@zerefX_ We did, yea.

[@zerefX_]

@@compucar03 congrats mate, Any updates on your startup?

[@compucar03]

@@zerefX_ Had major pivot during YC, still chugging 2 years later.

[@zerefX_]

@@compucar03 Good luck with your startup, and also thanks replying :)

[@hajiamano22]

Thank you!!! This was awesome! This takes away a lot of the fear around doing it wrong. I mean I was going to apply anyway, but now my application will be wayyyyy better.

[@rakhimenon2220]

YC should launch an software application, could make using the startup school and applications so much easier.

[@fahnub]

Applying today and this video is very helpful.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

I am applying asap. Thanks Dalton and YC.

[@princesspersia247]

Did you?

[@stealthoverflow]

@@princesspersia247 lol

[@nguyenbang4942]

Greate info. I am buiding mvp and will apply to YC. Thanks

[@brandonlai4689]

This type of fear that kept me from applying to anything. I wish I saw this sooner, I've gotten a CS degree to learn how to code and work experience just to invest 5 years of my time I had left from school and work into coding an app prototype. Might be worth a shot than bootstrapping any longer.

[@planetdaily5003]

#PlanetDaily watched this 3 times and revamped the whole application because of it. So, thanks.

[@beetlejuss]

Please note that when he says you can live wherever you want, he means wherever you want in the USA, unless your company is already successful and in that case you won't need this guys anyway.

[@TheScottGillies]

My reason for not yet applying is: I have far too many great ideas, and far too few of them are properly developed. I need to put in the work on one solid project so that I can approach with the level of professionalism that I know I am capable of. I intend on entirely filling out the application, and doing so with so much confidence and enthusiasm when I do. I know that I'm guilty of Perfectionism leading to procrastination leading to paralysis.

[@AdeelKhan1]

Narrowing down the search space does help in getting more focused. I think you have to control the environment or environments, in order to be able to regulate focus towards one endeavour. - That being said, there are other dynamics to consider as not everyone may be in a position to execute effectively. - Taking care of things in the domain of 'Regular and quality sleep, proper nutritional intake and regular exercise' --> probably contributes to 80% of overall wellness (body/mind connection). - Getting out of the building and talking to potential customers is a pivotal part of taking the necessary steps towards developing some sort of a traction/adoption for what you are building. - There may be other dynamics to consider. Including, but not limited to: a) The redirecting chunks of time ( on a daily basis ) towards a goal that you have identified. In this case, it would be a singular idea/hypothesis (or two, in your case. But do see my comments about narrowing down the focus) that you'd like to validate. b) Psychotherapy and/or talking to a trained mental health practitioner may be the route to take and as it relates to breaking out of a situation whereby you are not getting much done. Hope this helps. Take care of yourself.

[@erenelbustu5685]

Amazing work of encouraging people to take the leap of faith and work for their luck !

[@goldenstateantifascist4886]

GAWD this is helpful! Thank you so much for putting this out guys. Planning on applying soon and this video is an incredible blessing 🙏🏼

[@VANCOUVERHOUSEFINDER]

This is a very helpful video. I just don’t like that they are more likely to back technical founders. I’m not technical but have built great businesses that have been acquired. Huge differences between knowing how to build a business and how to build code.

[@sanghi286]

They are just saying that atleast one of the cofounders should be technical. Not that the entire team has to be technical.

[@VANCOUVERHOUSEFINDER]

@@sanghi286 I know. But I’m not technical. Technical people have their own ideas.

[@danielbarenboym8695]

Great video. Very clear and lots of packed information. In the process of applying now, and looking forward to developing a strong business.

[@princesspersia247]

any luck?

[@PhantomKThief]

Is it advisable to apply while working on a Full-Time Job?

[@jamesoanta7421]

Just revisioned my application. Thanks for the video, great information!

[@princesspersia247]

Did they accept you?

[@myspace5671]

God I feel like I've done every single mistake you just mentioned there :(

[@ssseeessseeessseee]

Why do people ask so many questions? Just apply and figure it out if you’re offered an interview. You can always decline and if you aren’t made an offer nothing is lost.

[@reprovedcandy]

I love the "no networking" piece. In college, I applied (and was rejected) from an entrepreneurship program because I quote "didn't network enough and didn't get enough recommendations" ... like what the hell? I found that so utterly ridiculous.

[@mohammedAhmed-bb1dh]

I only have idea can i apply?? Please help me guys

[@hardik373]

What makes a good application 14:45

[@spidey7513]

Is there any community or group we can join as founder and share our ideas ??

[@subhanhagverdiyev1049]

Very informative. Thanks Dalton

[@andu896]

Every time we apply we look at this video. :)

[@princesspersia247]

how many times have you applied?

[@daveprice3095]

Or how many times have you watch video - 😂🤦🏼‍♂️

[@alisherfez32]

A haha same dude. I watched over 5 times

[@brandonallen9853]

I have a question. Do i have to move to your headquarters area to take the courses if I get approved? I live in Texas and have a business I built myself plus I am still working.

[@Candate]

What if we don't have a website working to put in and you said no stage is too early

[@martinstine]

Thanks Dalton. Great one YC.

[@ThingstodoinHawaii]

If I have an idea but I need a technical expert, do you have a way to pair me with somebody?

[@shoryaagrawal1711]

I have applied hope i will select 🖐 From india👈👈😍

[@princesspersia247]

any luck?

[@abhishekpandey1543]

I have a 7 month old startup and its a bootstrap business. If i and my co-founder will come to meet you guys in US who will manage all the business of my startup at that period of time.

[@gulnoorthoughtso3082]

you're supposed to live near YC for 3 months and run business there

[@paulajagemann4139]

Hope to see you soon! A perpetual learner....

[@donnyhanss1911]

I have created a very great platform but I only have basic knowledge of coding. The other part of the code was written by a friend who is a computer scientist and I paid him for the task. I want to pitch my idea at YC as a founder without any other person featured. Is this allowed?

[@nguyenbang4942]

Yes, he said you just need to show him how you can bring the product into market.

[@yabgdouglas6032]

Fakeco still remains to be every tech bro and entrepreneur’s idea

[@realrutholuchigeorge]

Can I update my application after deadline; I submitted before deadline and still be eligible for the batch?

[@karatuno]

Great talk!

[@ianborukho]

"this will make my job easier" XD This pushed me over the fence to apply for sure, thanks!

[@ianborukho]

"brain teaser where it's tons of work to pull out the key facts", I've done some many interviews like that. You almost wonder if the person did/does anything.

[@kevinschmidt2210]

@@ianborukho It takes a lot of hard work to make something easy to understand and easy to use. A very sharp Occam's Razor is advised.

[@ianborukho]

@@kevinschmidt2210 the past few months of work on my crowdfunding project have been about making workflows and ux easier and more digestible. I feel like I keep sharpening the razor every iteration. Thank you!

[@JG-no4qr]

That one guy in That 70’s Show. That’s who he looks like!

[@ayodeleadeyemo3557]

What happens if my cofounder is based on another country and there is no say to get him/her to shoot with me?

[@Lifebyuri]

Thanks for all the great videos you all post. My founder is in a different country and can travel with tourist visa any advice on the process of how to apply at Y combinator?

[@DesignLead]

Thanks again guys!

[@fernandoespinosa1596]

Hey that's a really nice sweater bro.

[@tonybasa7491]

Munsingwear 🐥🐧

[@sethsamuel6357]

Thanks for the video. Thanks is all I can say.

[@AmirYousefi]

Wonderfull video, like all other YC videos

[@jonathanmakomo9828]

Great presentation there.

[@gigkloudinc.4259]

This video was a huge help. Thanks!

[@softdevstuff1008]

Thanks! It cleared lot of things.

[@ayushbarua6216]

Can we apply to YC if we are in idea stage ?

[@kapilcybridge]

Yes

[@uzwlsolanki2189]

Thanks

[@bharatrajput3145]

Does y combinator pay traveling expense of founders for yc interview.

[@DonnyOuyang]

Yes

[@bharatrajput3145]

@@DonnyOuyang how do you know that?? Have you ever got selected into yc??

[@DonnyOuyang]

Nope but I went for an interview before

[@bharatrajput3145]

@@DonnyOuyang ok Where are you from??

[@johnpathadan]

@@bharatrajput3145 You need to pay for it first, but they will reimburse your expenses

[@TheScottGillies]

I would argue this point as well! @4:26

[@margaretcezar1109]

Thanks Dalton for clarifying my questions. 🙂You have an actor-look alike, I just forgot his name.

[@Piyush-yp2po]

from breaking bad?

[@juanpablomdq]

Excellent presentation!

[@TechwithLawrence]

Applying soon, hope to get an interview :D, we will be trying every year until we do

[@m.usmanqureshi1561]

Hope you got in :)

[@JG-no4qr]

Application fee? Program fee? Any costs of any sort?

[@SandeepDinesh]

No fees of any kind

[@cristiancometti648]

Excelent! Thanks for the video.

[@shakirakand1352]

Thanks for a nice video.

[@jasongrig]

Let's say I get into YC. Where do I live for 10 weeks? Can I be there without a work visa? Can you please clarify that?

[@HezOmanjo]

Did you get a response to this question?

[@jasongrig]

@@HezOmanjo no

[@riteshsharma7577]

SIR, I am new in this field..I doesn't know how to start..can you help me to get started from scratch.. Please help me with basic...thankyou

[@DEFIROMED]

Will you fund foreign people or only US located?

[@alisherfez32]

Everyone has a chance

[@---zz3dc]

Wow! Thanks!

[@djambidextre]

I got rejected last week without even a reason 😑

[@andrewkiminhwan]

Crispy crisps

[@LucyRockprincess]

literally bad example is 100% something i would write and apply with ahahha

[@magicdaniel8122]

id Sukl

[@christopherscobie]

Mmm.

[@KA-rt2vh]

Looks like guy explain why you should apply, instead of how to pass thru...

[@TheAkylB]

What if English is my second language, and I'm affraid that I won't be able to speak superfluently ?

[@suvodas7440]

Thanks