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If the network is the biggest 'secret' to YCs success, then is there any reason why YC has been more successful than 500 startups or techstars? These incubator
by pedalpete 14y ago
If the network is the biggest 'secret' to YCs success, then is there any reason why YC has been more successful than 500 startups or techstars?
These incubators should have an equally impressive group of founders.
I think their is something special about YC, though I don't know exactly what that is.
At the same time, you have to suspect that some of the cache comes from AirBnB and DropBox hitting bases loaded home runs.
What are the most successful start-ups from 500Startups and TechStars? Did YC just get lucky with these two, and luck begets luck because now the best and brightest will apply to YC because it has had the early success?
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I also hadn't realized how many companies have been through more than one incubator program. For example, sendgrid was both 500Startups and TechStars, Webmynd,Chirply and GazeHawk were all part of 500Startups and YC.
I'm sure there are many more.
- niggler 14y ago"I think their is something special about YC, though I don't know exactly what that is." YC provides three key benefits: 1) "The Alumni" -- YC founders helping each other 2) "The Man" -- PG and the other partners do bring some value in the form of advice and connections (and the associated branding) 3) "The Cycle" -- Any moderately interesting product/service will have guaranteed customers in the form of other YC companies. AFAICT, the other programs don't have a charismatic character at the helm, may not have as strong an alumni network, and don't have the portfolio breadth to sustain a business from the cycle
- rdl 14y agoDMC might be less "charismatic" than pg, but is pretty aggressive at getting his message out there.