Applications open for Winter 2011 YC Funding, Deadline October 19(ycombinator.com)
ycombinator.com
Applications open for Winter 2011 YC Funding, Deadline October 19
http://ycombinator.com/apply.html
63 comments
Can I ask a question?
When do you expect companies to move to the bay area? Further, what time frame do you work in for the interviews etc.?
When do you expect companies to move to the bay area? Further, what time frame do you work in for the interviews etc.?
In retrospect, that sounds so dumb.
I should have specified what I meant by the time frame. My co-founder is still in school. So I was wondering if you has something like a block of time you scheduled it in so that if he had any issues at all I knew 100% whether or not he would be able to come.
So, what I wished to ask is if there was some flexibility in the dates just in case someone throws a fit (we are still monetarily dependent).
I should have specified what I meant by the time frame. My co-founder is still in school. So I was wondering if you has something like a block of time you scheduled it in so that if he had any issues at all I knew 100% whether or not he would be able to come.
So, what I wished to ask is if there was some flexibility in the dates just in case someone throws a fit (we are still monetarily dependent).
Will we see any news RFS posts? (http://ycombinator.com/rfs.html)
Do the existing ones still apply?
Do the existing ones still apply?
There's at least one big new RFS in the works. Existing ones still apply.
If you're on the fence about applying, do it! YC is without a doubt one of the most transformative experiences in my life. Even if you don't get in, you will learn a lot about yourself by going through the application process. Just do it!
So HN comment history contributes to the application process? It makes sense, but as a lurker I have to admit I'm a little unsettled by it. It makes me wonder if my tendency to take a backseat and only raise my hand if I'm sure what I have to say is relevant and has not already been said, is somehow an indicator about my likelihood of success as an entrepreneur?
I think quality trumps quantity. I would think if a user posted tonnes of sub-average comments, it may hurt him. And if a user posted a dozen comments of value, it could be a plus.
I wouldn't sweat it. I think I had almost no karma when we applied.
I don't think it hurts you as much as it can possibly help you. If you have lots of intelligent comments, it's one more reason to put you in the "interview" pile. I think only a few people in our round had notable HN records.
I don't think it hurts you as much as it can possibly help you. If you have lots of intelligent comments, it's one more reason to put you in the "interview" pile. I think only a few people in our round had notable HN records.
It doesn't sound like they scour your comment history, just if pg recognizes you from an intelligent hn conversation or two it can only help you.
Two questions:
1) Is there any process for investing in a company already incorporated in Canada? Could we apply with the assumption we would move it over to the US if accepted?
2) Would YC consider applications for a team with an existing early-stage product on the market?
1) Is there any process for investing in a company already incorporated in Canada? Could we apply with the assumption we would move it over to the US if accepted?
2) Would YC consider applications for a team with an existing early-stage product on the market?
We had an established company incorporated in Australia. When we got into YC we set up the company in the US same as all the other YC companies, and transferred our IP to the US company.
Many YC companies already have products on the market.
Many YC companies already have products on the market.
Isn't this risky with regard to visas? Or are there no drawbacks to running and owning shares in a US company as a non-US residents?
No, there's no problem with a non-US resident owning a US corporation.
18 months on we still don't have visas as we haven't found it necessary to be based in the US - or not important enough to subject ourselves to the expense and distraction of the visa application process. We come and go from time to time on VWP. Only now the company's becoming more solid will we look at obtaining visas.
18 months on we still don't have visas as we haven't found it necessary to be based in the US - or not important enough to subject ourselves to the expense and distraction of the visa application process. We come and go from time to time on VWP. Only now the company's becoming more solid will we look at obtaining visas.
Neither one of these things should impede you from applying. (2) could even work in your favor.
1) we can figure these things out later, they won't affect the investment decision
2) yes. there are several companies on the current round who applied when they had both a launched product and were also already generating decent revenue.
2) yes. there are several companies on the current round who applied when they had both a launched product and were also already generating decent revenue.
Could anyone from outside the US give advice on the process for getting a visa? I'm from Israel, and am wondering how difficult the whole visa situation is, and where I should start researching about it.
People have done it before on a WT visa. I'm not sure that the INS would treat you kindly if they found out was was going on though.
Other than I'm not aware of any good options unless you have a company to back you (L1/H1B), serious money (7 figures), family in the US (7+ year queue), or a Nobel prize (not kidding - take a look at the 'alien of extraordinary ability' visa).
Other than I'm not aware of any good options unless you have a company to back you (L1/H1B), serious money (7 figures), family in the US (7+ year queue), or a Nobel prize (not kidding - take a look at the 'alien of extraordinary ability' visa).
It's not as difficult as one might think to get a O-1 visa or EB-1 green card. Lack of a Nobel prize does not preclude one from successfully obtaining these visas, although having one probably increases one's chances.
I am also curious about the situation when applying from Turkey, is it possible to apply with B1 visa? Are there any previous example of sth similar?
How would YC read second, third and so-on submitted application form?
Should I submit as much as I can whenever I fill a chunk so that they would have more time reading("Early submissions have a significant advantage"), or would this just make them read less on further submission?
We don't do a lot of re-reading, so I'd wait till you're pretty near done to submit.
SongKick founders moved back to London after YC's 3 months ended. Is it perceived as a generally good strategy for people from the UK?
depends on the company. since the songkicks were working on live music, it made sense for them to be somewhere with an active live music scene e.g. london.
if you're working on something completely location agnostic and you're getting a lot of valley investor interest around demo day, it probably makes more sense to stay in the US than return to the UK (that's what we did).
if you're working on something completely location agnostic and you're getting a lot of valley investor interest around demo day, it probably makes more sense to stay in the US than return to the UK (that's what we did).
This sounds great in principle, but the visa situation seems rather daunting.
"Running a business" is specifically forbidden for visa waiver or B1/B2 visa visitors; besides, I suspect they won't be too happy if you repeatedly "visit" to the extent that >50% of your time is spent in the US. H1-B seems to be a lottery and infeasible if you own the company and are employed by it. I have no idea if we'd qualify for an EB-1, and E1/E2 seem more geared for owners/employees of bigger companies than recently-formed startups.
There seems to have been a string of originally European YC-funded companies that successfully moved to the US, yet there are examples where founders are "stranded" in Europe (e.g. Dailybooth). I vaguely remember an article written by one British founder of a YC startup some years back who got in via an E2, but I can't seem to find it. It would be extremely interesting to hear about past experiences with this; I realise it's possible that there's a good reason why everyone keeps quiet about it.
"Running a business" is specifically forbidden for visa waiver or B1/B2 visa visitors; besides, I suspect they won't be too happy if you repeatedly "visit" to the extent that >50% of your time is spent in the US. H1-B seems to be a lottery and infeasible if you own the company and are employed by it. I have no idea if we'd qualify for an EB-1, and E1/E2 seem more geared for owners/employees of bigger companies than recently-formed startups.
There seems to have been a string of originally European YC-funded companies that successfully moved to the US, yet there are examples where founders are "stranded" in Europe (e.g. Dailybooth). I vaguely remember an article written by one British founder of a YC startup some years back who got in via an E2, but I can't seem to find it. It would be extremely interesting to hear about past experiences with this; I realise it's possible that there's a good reason why everyone keeps quiet about it.
Is there a good network of startups and mentors near you to get support from? I live in Chicago, and I'd probably ask myself that same question before deciding to leave Mountain View. There's a lot of things you can do remotely, but support is one that I just can't do. Not sure about you or others. Regardless, if I got accepted to YC, I'd consider this a good problem to have.
I just spammed Ian Hogarth from SongKick on Twitter, asking him to weigh in. I'm curious to hear his thoughts on it.
I just spammed Ian Hogarth from SongKick on Twitter, asking him to weigh in. I'm curious to hear his thoughts on it.
We wanted to be based in one of the live music capitals of the world to be close to our industry and were torn between New York and London. It could have quite easily gone either way. Over the last few years Europe has become quite a strong place for online music (Last.fm of course, and now Spotify and Soundcloud), which is nice to see.
It's hard not being based in the Valley though and means a lot more travel if you want to close major distribution partnerships. You have to appear like you're based in the Valley to really compete for deals.
It's hard not being based in the Valley though and means a lot more travel if you want to close major distribution partnerships. You have to appear like you're based in the Valley to really compete for deals.
We'll review applications and get back to you at the end of the day on November 2.
I've seen others mention a rejection email (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11495), but I didn't get one last round. Are rejection emails only for those who had interviews and got rejected or should everyone receive an email? I searched for the answer, but didn't find it.
edit: I searched my email and found a rejection from '09, but definitely didn't receive one from Summer '10.
I've seen others mention a rejection email (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11495), but I didn't get one last round. Are rejection emails only for those who had interviews and got rejected or should everyone receive an email? I searched for the answer, but didn't find it.
edit: I searched my email and found a rejection from '09, but definitely didn't receive one from Summer '10.
Everybody should get an email. Maybe it got stuck in a spam filter?
Did you apply under this username?
Yes, the 2010 application was this username. The one from '09 was a different username which I abandoned because it was the name of the business.
I just went and looked and your 2010 application was a late application. We didn't send individual "no" emails to late applications; we just posted something on HN saying that we'd now talked to all the people we were going to from the late applications.
Incidentally, the odds of getting accepted are much lower for applications after the deadline.
Incidentally, the odds of getting accepted are much lower for applications after the deadline.
Thanks for taking the time to check, much appreciated.
Incidentally, the odds of getting accepted are much lower for applications after the deadline.
I was working on something else when the application period opened and wasn't considering applying. A few months later, I was free and started working on the idea when the application period was extended, so I applied knowing the chances were low.
Is there any merit in reapplying a late submission (with some improvements in my case) or would you say those applications have already been vetted? I imagine it's the latter since it seems to be more about the team than the idea.
Incidentally, the odds of getting accepted are much lower for applications after the deadline.
I was working on something else when the application period opened and wasn't considering applying. A few months later, I was free and started working on the idea when the application period was extended, so I applied knowing the chances were low.
Is there any merit in reapplying a late submission (with some improvements in my case) or would you say those applications have already been vetted? I imagine it's the latter since it seems to be more about the team than the idea.
What about the VISA situation for Canadians (to stay longer than 3 months)?
I wouldn't worry too much about Visas for Canadians, especially if you have a Bachelor's or higher in tech. I think there are several different strategies that can work to get a Visa. (This is coming from someone who was once denied a TN Visa at the US border.)
I think a B2 is good for six months; that's what I was planning to seek if our team was ever accepted, and I haven't had a problem getting them in the past whenever I traveled south on business. Of course, I would still be very interested to hear from any successful YC teams from Canada.
I think a B2 is good for six months; that's what I was planning to seek if our team was ever accepted, and I haven't had a problem getting them in the past whenever I traveled south on business. Of course, I would still be very interested to hear from any successful YC teams from Canada.
Although I should add that plane crossings with a return ticket seem to be much more effective at B2s than land crossings, in my experience. (B2 land crossings for me tend to include hour-long interviews in small rooms in the customs garage.)
How long in advance should someone start to look for their visa? Before applying for YC funding?
From Canada and for a B2, it's more of a wait until you've bought your tickets. Even with a TN (which I don't believe you can get with YC Funding), you just show up and hope for the best.
Of course, your mileage may vary, but this is what I've read from other people.
Of course, your mileage may vary, but this is what I've read from other people.
I am still in the customer discovery/ideation phase... am I a good candidate for your program? Also, I'm going to be in Mountain View for the Founders Conference on 8/17 coming from Austin, TX... is it possible to tour the YCombinator offices?
Let me know and thanks.
Let me know and thanks.
Hi, I wanted to know what the procedure was for bringing on potential team-members during the three month funding period? In other words, if they are not the founders then how will they be incorporated during our time with YC? Thanks in advance.
Do we have to travel for interview if selected? I am thinking of applying for Summer 2011 and if me/co-founder have to travel then it completely changes cash management as we are currently based in India. Also does it make sense to apply to YC if the product we are building in very India centric and solves a local problem? I mean I would definitely like to get some advice from pg/rest of YC but for a India centric product will we get relevant advice?
You have to meet us if you want to get funded. We might be able to reimburse you more if you're coming from somewhere from which plane tickets are very expensive.
Hi, I was interested in knowing how the 3month funding period is structured? Since, each group might be at a different level of startup cycle (fresh epiphany for an idea, idea->bplan, idea->bplan->dev, etc), will each group be assigned a mentor or scheduled topics are discussed on tues. meetups? Thanks!
The only rigid structure is demo day at about week 11. Otherwise it's mostly one on one at office hours with individual YC people.
Great. Is there anywhere on HN or YC that elaborates on the general day-to-day activities? I did a fairly thorough search and was unable to find anything.
Is it correct to assume "one on one" means that there will be someone from YC that will be helping each start-up with their respective issues on a day-to-day basis? Thanks in advance, pg.
Is it correct to assume "one on one" means that there will be someone from YC that will be helping each start-up with their respective issues on a day-to-day basis? Thanks in advance, pg.
Harj and Jessica and I schedule blocks of office hours for individual startups to talk to us about whatever problems are most urgent for them. There hasn't yet been one that needed to talk to us every day, but they can talk to us as much as they want.
Sounds great.
In any way, would YC consider the language barrier if the applicants were outside the English-Speaking countries?
Is there a way to get to the previous application form? I had an unsubmitted application that I'd like to copy-paste from.
Why is California such a big place for startups? Is it "just the way it is" since Silicon Valley started?
There are other places in the United States that are much cheaper to operate (live), and in a much less aggrivating political climate, than California.
There are other places in the United States that are much cheaper to operate (live), and in a much less aggrivating political climate, than California.
On my phone so its easier to paste this than the three essays: http://www.google.com/search?q=paul+graham+silicon+valley
Rich people and nerds. Makes sense. Well, hopefully somewhere in Texas will catch on: Cheap living, plenty of space, cheap housing, cheap power, has coastal area...
Then again, I think video conferencing, VoIP and presentations, etc., could substitute for this rich man mandating people move to work on the Internet. Why should programmers have to relocate?
Then again, I think video conferencing, VoIP and presentations, etc., could substitute for this rich man mandating people move to work on the Internet. Why should programmers have to relocate?
I like how you accuse him of being rich. In the future, make your posts relevant to the thread.
I was quoting the essay when I referred to rich people. Also, my original post was relevant to the article posted.
Looks like a lot of karma-flaming on my posts. Awesome, guys.
Looks like a lot of karma-flaming on my posts. Awesome, guys.
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http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html
It's odd how many don't seem to.