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What are folks’ current thoughts on applying to YC?

Obviously in some way this question/post is the antithesis of IH, but what are folks’ current thoughts on applying to YC? It’s remote now, so the idea is more appealing, which I’m guessing will also up the competition.

Also curious for those who have applied and had multiple ideas, any thoughts on how you decided which idea to apply with? Did you go with which one had the bigger opportunity or the one you were more passionate about?

Personally I’m not convinced that participating in YC means you have to seek funding afterwards. Obviously there is going to be pressure to, and if it makes sense, then it makes sense. What’s to keep you for saying thanks but no thanks at the end, I’d rather stay small?

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    Thanks for all the back and forth. I ended up applying with artwerks.io as the main idea and featurefocused.io as the "backup/other thing you're working on" idea. I'll post again if I make it to the interview, but I imagine neither of these ideas are venture scale enough for them. Thanks again!

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    @lynnetye of Key Values went through YC and subsequently went the IH route instead of the VC route and she talks about here experience in this episode: https://www.indiehackers.com/podcast/086-lynne-tye-of-key-values

    It's one of my favorite episodes, a really good listen.

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      I just re-listened to it per your suggestion. Absolutely great episode. Thanks you!

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    I think you shouldn't hesitate to apply to YC. It is a great accelerator program, and it is an awesome way to get more publicity around your startup.

    Most YC companies does not get seed funding at the end of the program, and they will push you to come to a default alive state ASAP. But probably from a risk mitigation stand-point and prevent early failure, rather than a way for you to stay small.

    YC makes money by investing in the companies. Thus, YC invest in companies they believe can have a high ROI. So while you should be open about staying small, that will also be part of what they consider when they decide whether to invest or not.

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      I guess I didn’t realize that most of the companies don’t immediately get follow on funding. I’m now curious if there are any Out of Beta Edwin podcast for teams going through YC...anyway, thanks!

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    I didn't apply to YC, I think if you have more than one project, go with the one you are most enthusiastic about and has potential. I don't think you should seek funding afterwards, as long as you don't need the funding afterwards and growing, they won't care and they will understand. If you watch their videos, they say that alot. My advice is to apply, you literally have nothing to lose but maybe an hour maximum.

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