Which YC companies had the most traction before going into YC?
Just thought this would be an interesting thread. Which YC companies had significant traction prior to their acceptance into YC? (Revenue, Users, etc)
5 comments
Also, a related question: Has YC rejected applicants despite impressive early traction?
I don't have examples, but I would think so.
In terms of product-market fit, great fit in a small market still limits potential success of a company in the absolute sense. (i.e. "dominating" the now-$5M a year "pog" milkcap industry)
That's why VC's sometimes look for startups that have seemingly strange ideas to "normals", but the potential to address problems in a massive market. Achieving product-market fit can take time, but doing so in a large market can mean more in the end. (i.e. Spanx - a "minor player" in the womens underwear sector when compared to Victoria' Secret)
In terms of product-market fit, great fit in a small market still limits potential success of a company in the absolute sense. (i.e. "dominating" the now-$5M a year "pog" milkcap industry)
That's why VC's sometimes look for startups that have seemingly strange ideas to "normals", but the potential to address problems in a massive market. Achieving product-market fit can take time, but doing so in a large market can mean more in the end. (i.e. Spanx - a "minor player" in the womens underwear sector when compared to Victoria' Secret)
Humble Bundle is one.
What kind of traction did they have?
They'd sold millions worth of games I think: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humble_Indie_Bundle