YC
Q&A with YC at the Female Founders Conference 2016
@ Y Combinator
06/01/16
Takeaways
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Every startup is right for Y Combinator if they want help with their startup, regardless of their stage, whether just starting or needing to take it to the next level.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
There's no such thing as too early or too late to apply to Y Combinator, and filling out the application is a useful exercise for any founder, even if they don't submit it.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Y Combinator looks for teams that demonstrate determination, the ability to get things done, and the capacity to work together, without a one-size-fits-all approach.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
I look for founders who have known each other for a while and are solving a problem they personally face, as being a domain expert is crucial for success.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Having a great team of domain experts working on a significant problem excites me, especially when addressing issues like the broken education system.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Y Combinator doesn't shy away from investing in companies in the 'trough of sorrow'; instead, they focus on helping founders navigate through challenges.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Startup ideas can often be adjusted; sometimes, you might be digging for treasure in the wrong spot, but with the right guidance, you can find success in the right direction.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
We don't claim to know which ideas will succeed; even the founders of Airbnb had no idea they would become as big as they are today.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Great startups are founded by great founders, and perseverance is a key trait that shows a founder's dedication to their idea, even through hard times.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
When founders stick to an idea for a long time, it demonstrates their perseverance, which is crucial in the challenging startup environment.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Being a domain expert who identifies a problem and has a solution indicates passion and drive, which are essential for long-term commitment to a startup.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
It's important for founders to clearly communicate what they do in a way that anyone, including their grandparents, can understand, as this aids in word-of-mouth growth.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
YC does fund solo founders, but it's significantly harder for them to succeed due to the limitations of one person managing all aspects of a startup.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Seeking a co-founder just to fill perceived deficiencies or to check a box for the YC application is a bad idea; founders should try to succeed on their own first.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
The risks of bringing on a co-founder who is not well-known or aligned with the founder's vision can outweigh the benefits, making it crucial to choose wisely.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
It's crucial to try to work on your startup independently if you don't have a co-founder with whom you have a strong relationship. Testing the partnership for a month without commitment can help assess compatibility.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
The three of us here have extensive experience in dealing with co-founder relationships, including many founder breakups, which often lead to the company's failure due to interpersonal issues rather than business problems.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Y Combinator funds solo founders and there are many misconceptions about this. We support individuals who are determined and solving real problems, regardless of their age, gender, or background.
JL
Jessica Livingston
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
In ten years, I envision a landscape filled with female-founded unicorns, where successful startups led by women are referenced alongside giants like Facebook and Google.
JL
Jessica Livingston
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
One surprising aspect of Y Combinator is how many successful startups are actually quite broken behind the scenes, which can be inspirational for those feeling discouraged about their own companies.
JL
Jessica Livingston
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
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.
JL
Jessica Livingston
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
I encourage all of you to keep moving forward and overcoming obstacles in your entrepreneurial journey, as I want to see you succeed and reflect on your growth in ten years.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Thank you to everyone involved in organizing this event, including our team and the speakers, for making this gathering possible and enjoyable for all attendees.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
06/01/16
@ Y Combinator
Ari, our photographer, is taking portraits of female founders today, and if you're interested, she will send you your portrait for free.