It's generally easier to start a startup before having kids; the demands of parenting can pull you in a different direction than your startup does.

If hard tech founders can establish a habit of operating efficiently during Y Combinator, it can lead to long-term success in their ventures.

Applying to Y Combinator is a low time commitment with the potential for significant upside, making it a worthwhile opportunity for aspiring founders.

Recognizing the benefits of founders having colleagues, we decided to invest in batches, which has become a core part of YC's approach. At Y Combinator, we treat founders like family and prioritize their interests, fostering a strong sense of community even among over 2,000 alumni.

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.

If you have a choice, consider starting your startup before having kids, as it can be significantly easier than managing both responsibilities simultaneously.

The early days of Y Combinator were marked by a lack of distractions, allowing founders to work hard and focus on their startups without the pressures of social media.

Having the support of the Y Combinator community is invaluable, as it connects you with other founders willing to collaborate and help each other out.

Founders at Y Combinator are often independent-minded and determined, willing to hustle despite skepticism from others about their ideas.