There is endless content about “how to get into Y-Combinator” — most of which will lead you down a rabbit hole of optimization.
This piece aims to minimize the time you spend optimizing the application and maximize your time on building your company.
As a quick background, I’m Daniel Kang, CEO & Co-founder of Flowbo (YC S21). I got into YC with an idea — no product, no revenue. So if that’s what’s holding you back, you should apply. Before Flowbo, I was an investor at Softbank Vision Fund. I continue to invest as a venture partner at Pioneer Fund, a VC fund run by YC alumni.
First, here are a few reminders to get you in the right mindset as you start preparing for your application:
Y-Combinator is not the end-all-be-all for your company. YC partners will tell you this as soon as you get in. You should have a plan to build and grow your company regardless of YC. YC should be seen as a multiplier. If your company will die without YC, then it is unlikely any investor, including YC, will invest. Iraised a pre-seed round before getting into YC to build my company with clear execution.
