Fundraising is a significant challenge for founders, and it's crucial to share experiences and insights about it.

YC helps shift the leverage back to founders, making it easier for them to connect with investors who treat them well, despite the fundraising process still being unpredictable.

Many founders mistakenly believe their fundraising experience will mirror that of others based on anecdotal evidence, leading to unrealistic expectations about their own fundraising efforts.

Solo founders face challenges in gaining acceptance into Y Combinator, with a noticeable decline in their representation in recent batches.

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.

The first YC dinners were a mix of fun and stress for founders, as they showcased their progress and ideas to peers.

YC has an investor database where founders provide feedback on investors they've worked with. This helps encourage good investor behavior and serves as a valuable resource when deciding whom to prioritize for funding.

The founder network at YC is invaluable, offering support and learning opportunities from peers at various stages of their startups.

YC companies often receive numerous inbound offers from investors, contrasting with the common experience of founders who typically have to reach out to investors themselves.