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If this is the hardest question for you, you are not ready to do a startup. This is a filtering question - If I'm YC, if even one of the founders is not able to

by pytrin 14y ago

If this is the hardest question for you, you are not ready to do a startup. This is a filtering question - If I'm YC, if even one of the founders is not able to commit, that's probably an immediate rejection right there.

lusr 14y ago
There are plenty of successful founders who didn't quit their jobs immediately to work on their startup. Not everybody has that luxury. Maybe you meant to limit your comment specifically to YC startups?
- pytrin 14y ago
  I wouldn't say plenty - succeeding while working on a startup part-time is definitely the exception, and not the rule. I would love to hear some examples of those successful founders who succeeded while working part-time on their venture.
- steventruong 14y ago
  I partially agree with Pytrin. While its true not everyone quits their job to dive into a startup immediately, its arguable whether or not those are even startups yet or just projects. That said, if you aren't at the stage where you can commit to doing a startup, you probably shouldn't be applying to YC.
seferphier 14y ago
I agree, you are probably not ready to do a startup if you struggle to answer this question. I believe it wouldn't be an immediate rejection but a strong warning indicator. If a founder is not willing to commit to their startup full time, the startup is going to fall apart when all hell breaks loose. Founders that are half committed may have strong disagreements with each other when there is a conflict of interest (eg: too much time spent doing his full time job while working on the startup). Disagreement between founders can kill a startup. I suggest the author to find a full time job or work at another startup first. Do a startup when the time is right and you saved up enough money. If you decide do the startup, don't look back. Be committed to your decision.
RKoutnik 14y ago
I don't see it that way. It's not easy to give up a comfortable future for the uncertain one, regardless of one's current position. If you'll notice, we did commit. The purpose of writing this article was to create a public declaration of that fact. I do see where you reached that conclusion - thanks for the feedback. I'll try and be more clear in future articles.

by pytrin 14y ago

lusr 14y ago

There are plenty of successful founders who didn't quit their jobs immediately to work on their startup. Not everybody has that luxury. Maybe you meant to limit your comment specifically to YC startups?

pytrin 14y ago
I wouldn't say plenty - succeeding while working on a startup part-time is definitely the exception, and not the rule. I would love to hear some examples of those successful founders who succeeded while working part-time on their venture.
steventruong 14y ago
I partially agree with Pytrin. While its true not everyone quits their job to dive into a startup immediately, its arguable whether or not those are even startups yet or just projects. That said, if you aren't at the stage where you can commit to doing a startup, you probably shouldn't be applying to YC.

seferphier 14y ago

I agree, you are probably not ready to do a startup if you struggle to answer this question. I believe it wouldn't be an immediate rejection but a strong warning indicator. If a founder is not willing to commit to their startup full time, the startup is going to fall apart when all hell breaks loose. Founders that are half committed may have strong disagreements with each other when there is a conflict of interest (eg: too much time spent doing his full time job while working on the startup). Disagreement between founders can kill a startup. I suggest the author to find a full time job or work at another startup first. Do a startup when the time is right and you saved up enough money. If you decide do the startup, don't look back. Be committed to your decision.

RKoutnik 14y ago

I don't see it that way. It's not easy to give up a comfortable future for the uncertain one, regardless of one's current position. If you'll notice, we did commit. The purpose of writing this article was to create a public declaration of that fact. I do see where you reached that conclusion - thanks for the feedback. I'll try and be more clear in future articles.