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I think a more effective route forward here is for places like YC to set standards for their portfolio companies. Only the strongest investors can do this, but

I think a more effective route forward here is for places like YC to set standards for their portfolio companies. Only the strongest investors can do this, but once they do, it will setup a new playing field and the YC brand could mean 'no dark patterns here' in the way that buying an Apple product signifies quality hardware and privacy. It could act as an 'integrity' label that companies purchasing software would use when evaluating new products. YC companies are better than most at this, but I've seen a few bad actors lately that have caused me to question whether its true across the board.

novok 5y ago
Consumers do not know what YC is, and I'm not sure if YC wants to become a consumer brand certification.
- bogwog 5y ago
  I used this site for years without knowing what YC was. EDIT: also, I still don't 100% know what it is. Afaik, it's like shark tank but IRL for people in silicon valley.
- pcarolan 5y ago
  YC, like all companies, is a brand. It is already expressed by alumni when applying for a job. It is sought by employers as a mark of validation that the person works hard and fast and knows how to innovate. As YC scales and graduates more companies, they want to optimize their return on investment. Those companies that graduate from YC want to make sure their companies raise capital at a premium when future fundraising and ultimately IPOing or being acquired. The YC network is a thing in the VC community and a mark of a high opportunity investment. Today, some purchasing managers are aware of its alumni companies and use it as a litmus that the company is cutting edge and innovative. Maybe most don't. Since sales ultimately lead to higher company valuations, perhaps this is something YC would want to focus on?
- thunkshift1 5y ago
  I think this is less about yc aiming for customer brand recognition and more about doing the right thing for the companies which want yc funding, which will serve products to said customers.
thatguy0900 5y ago
Yc encourages "growth hacking", which is pretty much just code for dark patterns. I don't think they would be interested
JMTQp8lwXL 5y ago
Airbnb employs dark patterns for their booking process. The daily rate isn't the all-in cost for a booking. You have to open the detail page to get cleaning fees, etc that add up to 30% of the cost. It'd be challenging to get big, successful companies to buck the trend because it's too lucrative. Dark patterns exist for a reason, and it's not for consumer benefit.

novok 5y ago

Consumers do not know what YC is, and I'm not sure if YC wants to become a consumer brand certification.

bogwog 5y ago
I used this site for years without knowing what YC was. EDIT: also, I still don't 100% know what it is. Afaik, it's like shark tank but IRL for people in silicon valley.
pcarolan 5y ago
YC, like all companies, is a brand. It is already expressed by alumni when applying for a job. It is sought by employers as a mark of validation that the person works hard and fast and knows how to innovate. As YC scales and graduates more companies, they want to optimize their return on investment. Those companies that graduate from YC want to make sure their companies raise capital at a premium when future fundraising and ultimately IPOing or being acquired. The YC network is a thing in the VC community and a mark of a high opportunity investment. Today, some purchasing managers are aware of its alumni companies and use it as a litmus that the company is cutting edge and innovative. Maybe most don't. Since sales ultimately lead to higher company valuations, perhaps this is something YC would want to focus on?
thunkshift1 5y ago
I think this is less about yc aiming for customer brand recognition and more about doing the right thing for the companies which want yc funding, which will serve products to said customers.

thatguy0900 5y ago

Yc encourages "growth hacking", which is pretty much just code for dark patterns. I don't think they would be interested

JMTQp8lwXL 5y ago

Airbnb employs dark patterns for their booking process. The daily rate isn't the all-in cost for a booking. You have to open the detail page to get cleaning fees, etc that add up to 30% of the cost. It'd be challenging to get big, successful companies to buck the trend because it's too lucrative. Dark patterns exist for a reason, and it's not for consumer benefit.