we should acknowledge that it embraces and encourages the high-risk/high-reward model, which should be entered into with open eyes
We were W21. I would argue one of YC's main goals is to reduce the risk to founders, and enable starting startup more accessible to those with the right skills, regardless of circumstance.
Getting into YC guarantees a certain minimum amount of funding and essential support, which not everyone outside SV has access to. It's commonplace to see people quit high paying jobs, and start businesses whilst married with children (the old narrative of 20-something male dropout is no longer the norm). This all happens because YC creates a platform that reduces risk for founders.
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We were W21. I would argue one of YC's main goals is to reduce the risk to founders, and enable starting startup more accessible to those with the right skills, regardless of circumstance.
Getting into YC guarantees a certain minimum amount of funding and essential support, which not everyone outside SV has access to. It's commonplace to see people quit high paying jobs, and start businesses whilst married with children (the old narrative of 20-something male dropout is no longer the norm). This all happens because YC creates a platform that reduces risk for founders.