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YC

Y Combinator Cast

01/03/17

@ Y Combinator

Having evidence of having shipped a product and gained customers makes your application significantly stronger than just polishing your application without real progress.

Video

Q&A with YC Partners at Startup School SV 2016

@ Y Combinator

Q&A with YC Partners at Startup School SV 2016

01/03/17

Related Takeaways

Garry Tan

06/16/23

@ Y Combinator

It's beneficial to present case studies or testimonials from existing customers to demonstrate the effectiveness of your product.

Ryan Hoover

10/05/17

@ Y Combinator

When you're a non-technical founder, demonstrating user data is crucial; it proves that people are using your product and validates its usefulness.

Kevin Hale

07/26/19

@ Y Combinator

To succeed, you need to demonstrate that you can effectively sell your product and convince customers, rather than just focusing on product development.

Dalton Caldwell

05/13/23

@ Y Combinator

Evidence of seriousness in founders can include leaving a job to work full-time on their startup or showing progress in multiple applications.

Gustaf Alströmer

12/30/22

@ Y Combinator

Including social proof in sales emails, such as past experiences or notable achievements, can enhance credibility and authority in the eyes of potential customers.

Dalton Caldwell

04/18/24

@ Lenny's Podcast

If you find excited customers during your validation process, that's a strong signal that it's time to start your startup.

Aaron Epstein

09/13/24

@ Y Combinator

Including well-known customer names as social proof in your email can enhance your credibility and excite potential customers.

Lin Qiao

05/19/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Successful applications often incorporate a data flying wheel, which is essential for standing out in the market.

Dalton Caldwell

05/13/23

@ Y Combinator

Extraordinary claims in your application require extraordinary evidence; be prepared to back up any significant assertions you make.