Many hard tech founders mistakenly believe they need large amounts of funding upfront, but Y Combinator encourages them to think like software companies and find ways to progress with less money.

Many successful applicants to Y Combinator were not first-time applicants; getting comfortable with taking risks and applying even when you think you might not succeed is crucial for growth. Persistence shows character and can lead to success, so don't be afraid to pursue opportunities even if the odds seem low.

Getting into Y Combinator is just the beginning; many founders mistakenly believe that this achievement equates to success, but real impact comes from the work that follows.

At Y Combinator, we invest in founders at the idea stage, understanding that it may take over a decade to see if their concepts are viable, so short-term valuations are less critical.

After exiting Y Combinator, we achieved $200,000 in revenue within six weeks, and by the end of the year, we reached about $1 million, showcasing our rapid growth trajectory.

Despite starting Y Combinator with the goal of helping a few entrepreneurs, we never anticipated funding a thousand startups, many of which have become very successful.

Many founders applying to Y Combinator are unaware of the full extent of the program's offerings, including ongoing support after the initial three-month period.

Joining Y Combinator turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made, especially as we faced severe financial challenges before receiving their support. Starting and running a company as a founder can be a very lonely experience, where you often feel responsible for everyone's future and only you know the reality of the low times.

Founders often struggle with unrealistic expectations, believing that once they launch their product, it will immediately succeed, which can lead to disappointment.