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These days going through Y Combinator practically guarantees success for B2B/SaaS startups. Their network is so big now that you can hit growth targets that mos
by m_ke 8y ago
These days going through Y Combinator practically guarantees success for B2B/SaaS startups. Their network is so big now that you can hit growth targets that most VCs look for just by selling to other YC companies. Then you can throw the late stage logos on your landing page and use that to lure in enterprise customers.
- solarkraft 8y agoBut the barrier to entry is still decently high. You can't just take a bullshit company, put it through YC and have it succeed.
- m_ke 8y agoThat's true, but it's practically impossible to bootstrap a "bullshit" company and have it succeed. If you get into YC you're guaranteed intros to anyone in their portfolio, press coverage from valley PR machines like techcrunch and will have a much easier time cold calling if you need to because you have the YC stamp of approval. You'll also have a much easier time raising on good terms because no VC is going to pass up a meeting with you.
- aboutruby 8y agoI don't think other companies are going to buy into the new companies's products if those are not good. It's one thing to be able to reach to YC companies/founders, another to convince them to use your product.
- edouard-harris 8y agoAmong many of YC's advantages, they do signal boost your company in a lot of important ways. But if you don't make something people want, no accelerator in the world will save your company from dying.
- m_ke 8y agoMy statement was conditioned on getting into YC, which is really hard to do if your product sucks or has no traction. Even with a weak product you'll be in a much better position because you'll able to meet with a lot of other founders/potential customers and get valuable feedback.
- tptacek 8y agoOh, I don't think that's true. From what I can see and what I've heard from friends that have been through YC, they take a lot of flyers. That's part of the point.
- muzani 8y agoTheir filter process is based more on the founders. The product and idea is just part of evaluating the founders. It often happens that someone goes in with bad ideas and product. Some pivot their way out. Some can't.
- CalChris 8y agoIts network seems kiretsu-like from the outside.