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Come to think, this "scenario" seems like a good idea rather than going through YCombinator. Think about it. Find something easy to implement (shouldn't be mor

Come to think, this "scenario" seems like a good idea rather than going through YCombinator. Think about it. Find something easy to implement (shouldn't be more than 1.5 months effort) and target it to TechCrunch audience. Flip the site for $25k - $30k and embark to your ultimate goal. Now you don't have to share 6% - 10% of your company to YCombinator (or other similar companies)

mdolon 19y ago
I've thought about that too but you have to realize that while you're not giving up 2-10%, you also miss out on the connections you could have made with other entrepreneurs, potential cofounders and investors. Now if you could raise $25-$30k AND take advantage of YCombinator's resources, that sounds like a plan.
pg 19y ago
The money is the least of what we do.
- nanijoe 19y ago
  This may be true, but the guy who applies to YC with $25k already in the bank and the experience of having sold a 'startup' after less than 2 weeks of launching, will surely have some kind of advantage over other applicants; No?
SwellJoe 19y ago
We had $16,000 in the bank when we accepted YC funding and were already selling product. Nonetheless, it was 5% of equity well-spent. I couldn't hire pg, tlb, or Jessica for any amount of money. But when I let them give me $15k, they became part-time employees for three months. Pretty cool deal, I think. But, hey, if you already know where you're going and how to get there...and you just need a few thousand dollars to do it, skip YC. It's not right for you.
- nanijoe 19y ago
  Completely off topic...I wonder why I think of Vitamins every time I see your name :)
- sbraford 19y ago
  Having a bit of reserves in the bank before applying / getting into YC seems like it'd be a major help. Although it appears that many YC startups haven't had any trouble getting angel funding after their initial funding runs out. Just traditionally it can take many months to raise funding (while being distracted from making the product better), no?

mdolon 19y ago

I've thought about that too but you have to realize that while you're not giving up 2-10%, you also miss out on the connections you could have made with other entrepreneurs, potential cofounders and investors. Now if you could raise $25-$30k AND take advantage of YCombinator's resources, that sounds like a plan.

pg 19y ago

The money is the least of what we do.

nanijoe 19y ago
This may be true, but the guy who applies to YC with $25k already in the bank and the experience of having sold a 'startup' after less than 2 weeks of launching, will surely have some kind of advantage over other applicants; No?

SwellJoe 19y ago

We had $16,000 in the bank when we accepted YC funding and were already selling product. Nonetheless, it was 5% of equity well-spent. I couldn't hire pg, tlb, or Jessica for any amount of money. But when I let them give me $15k, they became part-time employees for three months. Pretty cool deal, I think. But, hey, if you already know where you're going and how to get there...and you just need a few thousand dollars to do it, skip YC. It's not right for you.

nanijoe 19y ago
Completely off topic...I wonder why I think of Vitamins every time I see your name :)
sbraford 19y ago
Having a bit of reserves in the bank before applying / getting into YC seems like it'd be a major help. Although it appears that many YC startups haven't had any trouble getting angel funding after their initial funding runs out. Just traditionally it can take many months to raise funding (while being distracted from making the product better), no?