Investing in batches allowed us to create a supportive community for founders, making the startup journey less lonely and more efficient for us as investors.

We did not expect the first batch of startups to make money; it was an experiment for us to learn how to be investors, which shaped our approach to supporting founders.

We decided to fund a large number of early-stage startups with small amounts of money, providing them with significant help, which was a departure from traditional VC practices.

I learned that sometimes ignorance can lead to unique strengths, as our inexperience in angel investing led to the successful batch funding model at Y Combinator.

We differentiated ourselves by combining angel investments with venture investments, a strategy that was initially met with skepticism from established VCs.

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.

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.

Building relationships with batch mates in Y Combinator can lead to future opportunities, as the startup journey is not a zero-sum game.

Connecting with fellow founders in the batch and receiving feedback has been incredibly beneficial, fostering friendships and support.