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What concerns me about this YCReject project is that is for people who didn't even make the interview process (apologies if this isn't true, this is to the best
by geuis 16y ago
What concerns me about this YCReject project is that is for people who didn't even make the interview process (apologies if this isn't true, this is to the best of my knowledge).
I consider the YC interview process to be a useful filter. Anyone can apply to YC and anyone can be rejected. I applied 2-3 years ago and was rejected. Last year, my cofounder and I got the interview but didn't get into the program. To me, getting the interview means that the YC folks thought there was something interesting in the proposal, but decided not to fund the company because of limited space for the round or the personalities of the founders.
If YCReject was oriented at people who got the interviews but not the program, that would at least be an interesting signal. It might tell investors that these people garnered YC's interest and might be worth a second look. However, I don't see how letting everyone who's application was rejected into an alternate program provides any kind of useful filter at all.
- Retric 16y agoI don't think the goal is a filter at the level your thinking about. The real question is simply is are YC rejects a better pool to consider than the random ideas they are already receiving. On the upside, they are looking at a pool of people that got it together enough to apply to YC with 1 or 2 ideas, got rejected and still want to give it a go. That means they are a least willing to push back a setback and not simply spamming ideas looking for money. On the down side, some of the best people / ideas have been removed. Overall it's probably a better group of people and ideas than would apply to a less well known funding source.
- jdunck 16y agoI applied and didn't get an interview. And I agree that a filter of some sort is needed for YCReject to be meaningful. I'll persist in my efforts, but that doesn't imply I will be successful. More to the point, though, I think much of the value of YC is in the network of alums and mentors they provide. Unless there is some buyin from those mentors (or others of their value) then I don't think there's much point to YCReject except as a team to cheer you through the low points.
- mindcrime 16y agoHowever, I don't see how letting everyone who's application was rejected into an alternate program provides any kind of useful filter at all. If you don't see any value in this group, just don't invest in any of the companies... other people might, most won't. The market is - in the end - the only filter that matters. What is there to be concerned about?
- jdunck 16y agoI agree with this, too. I wish them well, but am voting with my feet.
- abbasmehdi 16y agoI think failing a YC interview is much worse than failing the application, you are scrutinized far more in an interview than your application is scrutinized.