1) A VC network of known quantities on the quality of the VCs is pretty helpful. These are people you are putting alot of faith in and vice versa. I'd say that is not something to be underestimated.
2) The Alumni network for successful YC companies is probably harder to tap into from the outside than you are thinking. You'd have a hard time getting a meeting with a founder of Stripe than, say, someone from the '14 summer class.
I disagree on both counts... I think YC's value gets greater the better you're doing, simply because you're in a better position to take advantage of opportunities. And YC founders are just like anyone else - the more closely connected you are, the more likely you are to help.
I've cold emailed many YC founders and granted I did not sell to any of them, the response rate was quite high and several looked into it. Some took the call.
I just think if you have a good value proposition, and you are mindful of people's time, they will work with you regardless.
I'm curious about this as well. Currently bootstrapping in my bedroom. Seems like you do the same thing in YC as well but with more people and networking in process but can a network save and solve all of your problems? I think not...what it boils down to is just grinding and hustling like with any small business (and not end up like Washington Redskins from South Park)...maybe the network is important when you need to find the right people for your team or build partnerships or get an interview with Peter Thiel.
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What is the value of being part of YC's network? Perhaps it matters if your product/startup is struggling.
You can cold email any YC founder, I think they would be just as likely to help you (work with you) than a fellow YC founder.
Being a YC alumni gives you access to an incredible community. We are humbled by the amount of help we've already received.
That being said, it does not mean that who can cold email anyone from YC and expect an answer. As always, you have to mind your manners :)
1) A VC network of known quantities on the quality of the VCs is pretty helpful. These are people you are putting alot of faith in and vice versa. I'd say that is not something to be underestimated.
2) The Alumni network for successful YC companies is probably harder to tap into from the outside than you are thinking. You'd have a hard time getting a meeting with a founder of Stripe than, say, someone from the '14 summer class.
I disagree on both counts... I think YC's value gets greater the better you're doing, simply because you're in a better position to take advantage of opportunities. And YC founders are just like anyone else - the more closely connected you are, the more likely you are to help.
I've cold emailed many YC founders and granted I did not sell to any of them, the response rate was quite high and several looked into it. Some took the call.
I just think if you have a good value proposition, and you are mindful of people's time, they will work with you regardless.
I'm curious about this as well. Currently bootstrapping in my bedroom. Seems like you do the same thing in YC as well but with more people and networking in process but can a network save and solve all of your problems? I think not...what it boils down to is just grinding and hustling like with any small business (and not end up like Washington Redskins from South Park)...maybe the network is important when you need to find the right people for your team or build partnerships or get an interview with Peter Thiel.
Of course not. Nobody here is suggesting that this would solve all of your problems, just that it would be helpful.