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If you really want to do these things, then whether or not you get into YC, or whether or not you find a co-founder will just be a minor distraction to your act

If you really want to do these things, then whether or not you get into YC, or whether or not you find a co-founder will just be a minor distraction to your actual goals. YC is great if the timing is right and if you can get into it. At the same time, if someone were to tell me, "go spend 6 months finding a co-founder and working on something together, and then we'll talk", I would nod politely, and then proceed to spend the next 6 months building my project. Those are 6 months that you could use to get off the ground, if you're really motivated. You could launch in 6 months if your project doesn't require a large initial outlay of resources. And if your project is awesome enough, then it will attract people interested in your project, and it will gain momentum.

jayliew 17y ago
Exactly. It's an opportunity cost. With 2 months, I can do so much in terms of not just product development but also customer development - because let's face it, the bulk of startups YC invests in are not technology risks, they are market risks. Granted, I am optimistic - but imho 6 months is enough time for me get off the ground and raise a seed round outside of YC (but I do prefer to get into YC, just a preference). That is the plan. I'm not waiting, I believe in making my own luck. I'm not saying I can predict the future, I'm just saying I know what I can do to influence the outcome, and I'm going to try my best. More people need to make their own luck. Thanks Rob!