Applying to Y Combinator? 3 tips from a former YC partner

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  • Опубликовано: 29 окт 2024

Комментарии • 135

  • @senthil2sg
    @senthil2sg 5 лет назад +125

    1. Show, don't tell:
    Mention any of the following.
    - created something
    - users using it
    - if someone is actually paying
    - special sauce, mention it!.
    2. It needs to be big for VC to be interested:
    - is there a way to show the problem is worth a billion or more?
    - is there a way to get to 100 million dollars in revenue?
    3. Plain english is best:
    - YC uses plain english to talk.
    - talk to me about the problem (like to a single person)
    - talk to me about the solution plainly.
    - don't say 'unbundling', hyper-verticalization etc
    - a great pitch is simple statements put side by side in a string.
    - when you zoom out, those simple statements stringed together
    will suddenly strike you as a really big idea.
    - writing style in high school: topic: beginning, middle and end.
    - this is not good for YC.
    - use inverted pyramid. put the conclusion at the front.
    - then add proof for each claim leading to that conclusion.

  • @MichaelWBauer
    @MichaelWBauer 5 лет назад +41

    Garry this is genius. You get to help people improve their YC applications AND have a chance to jump on the investment train at the earliest stages if one catches your eye. Smart man

  • @Ranjanwatson
    @Ranjanwatson 6 месяцев назад +6

    Hey, Garry, I am watched this on 4/30/2024, and i might be late. But I'll still try sending my application. I applied for the YC 24 Summer batch.

    • @oa.y
      @oa.y 3 месяца назад +1

      Me too !
      Goodluck dear,
      I hope i'll see each other there son 🫡

  • @yourtable7569
    @yourtable7569 4 года назад +8

    Gary, I came across this as I was filling out our YC application. Thank you so much for sharing in a clear and concise way, it was really helpful. I loved how you guys were so casual eating and drinking together, as that's what we are setting people up for, to solve the problem of loneliness caused by people eating alone frequently. Stay safe and well, hope to meet you one-day in-person as a YC Alumni, take care!
    YourTable - Peter Chien

  • @rpgbx
    @rpgbx 5 лет назад +3

    It always boggles my mind on how hard it is to write/speak using simple language. It's like unlearning everything from K-12!
    Thank you for your advice. I probably submitted my app too late for your review, but I appreciate you offering your time and advice to the rest of us trying to make a difference with our startups. :)

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад +1

      Will be on the lookout! Thanks Regina

    • @rpgbx
      @rpgbx 5 лет назад

      Garry Tan thank YOU for your generosity. We are really thankful for your time.

  • @murrayclarke2171
    @murrayclarke2171 3 года назад +1

    I haven’t tuned in for a while but great to be back. Love this guy!! If (when?) we need funding I’ll be mailing Gary’s team!

  • @mattskilly
    @mattskilly 5 лет назад +3

    This is awesome Garry - thank you. I hope we made it into the first 100. Keep up the great work.

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад +1

      Yup you’re good, only up to 60 now

    • @mattskilly
      @mattskilly 5 лет назад

      @@GarryTan 👊🏻Awesome! You rock! Thanks Garry!

    • @mattskilly
      @mattskilly 5 лет назад

      @@GarryTan a great big thanks for your feedback - greatly appreciated. All the best!

  • @DrringHealth
    @DrringHealth 8 месяцев назад

    This is amazing Gary! Even though we are viewing this late and we won't get a chance to get a review from you.

  • @AlbertoR139
    @AlbertoR139 5 лет назад +2

    Thanks for being so open and willing to help!
    I filled out the form but I'm already editing my application based on your advice in this video.

  • @Batman-vh9so
    @Batman-vh9so 4 года назад +5

    Great advice! And thanks for offering to review applications, I'm sure it'll make a big difference for some startup out there just getting started.

  • @kenmooso
    @kenmooso 5 лет назад +7

    Great advice! I’ll take this advice and apply it to my teams application to YC!

  • @franciszekszombara8881
    @franciszekszombara8881 4 года назад +2

    Thanks for quality content. Your YC startup school lecture got me here.

  • @amanjha__
    @amanjha__ 2 года назад

    Former YC partner, future YC President/CEO. This video suddenly became a lot more relevant.

  • @brianbassard3879
    @brianbassard3879 5 лет назад +1

    Submitted. Thanks for your willingness to help us founders.
    Side note, who the hell keeps disliking your videos? Haters man... 🙃

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад +1

      Brian Bassard ah well, gotta keep doing my thing

    • @brianbassard3879
      @brianbassard3879 5 лет назад

      You're on the right track 👌🏿

  • @tpwb5882
    @tpwb5882 5 месяцев назад

    Thanks Gary, we are coming for you guys this winter. Mittbox it is it what you've been looking for decades.

  • @FahimAzizBackpacker
    @FahimAzizBackpacker 5 лет назад +3

    What a straightforward , informative video. great to see you Garry!

  • @sandieman
    @sandieman 4 года назад +2

    Wow.. in person meetings! Such a throwback :)

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  4 года назад

      Yes it was! They're all virtual these days :-D

  • @ratneshpandey4519
    @ratneshpandey4519 3 года назад +1

    OMG!! I missed the most important video from your side Garry!! Always love your content, as you reflect what you just said - Use simple and plain English :)

  • @LilyAmericanDream
    @LilyAmericanDream 3 года назад +1

    Hi Garry, I just want to thank you for your tips. I am working on the Y Combinator applications.

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  3 года назад

      Fantastic! They're the best.

  • @TimurMone
    @TimurMone 5 лет назад +2

    this is truly amazing. I just submitted the application to you for review, I hope you can help, if not, thanks for the tips, keep them coming. Real value add.

    • @thisiskv
      @thisiskv 4 года назад

      Hi Tim did you get help on your YC application?

  • @ipster8845
    @ipster8845 3 года назад

    Few years late watching this. And if that wasn't enough, applying a month after the official deadline :-)
    Still worth it.

  • @Maver1ck3981
    @Maver1ck3981 4 года назад

    Invaluable advice but missed (my bad) it before applying for 2021 .But listening to this makes us comfortable that we've articulated our proportion well.( fingers crossed).

  • @SaadAhmed-tg8in
    @SaadAhmed-tg8in 5 лет назад

    This is a fantastic opportunity for folks to get Garry's help. Best wishes to those applying. Hope you get your app read by Garry and I hope you get into YC!

  • @neilbeekie1086
    @neilbeekie1086 3 года назад +1

    Your explaination just made me change my pitch to a simpler version.

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  3 года назад +1

      Glad to hear. Simple pitches are best.

  • @edwinrichardson1280
    @edwinrichardson1280 3 года назад

    Thank you Gary for your clarity.

  • @thejaichachra
    @thejaichachra 3 года назад

    Hey Garry, thankyou for making it more easy, I feel more confident while filling the application.

  • @alualarkin1385
    @alualarkin1385 5 лет назад +2

    Thanks Garry, thats a very generous giveaway and great tips! I yet to finish my application. So sorry to miss this opportunity.

  • @ckathini1
    @ckathini1 6 месяцев назад

    Insightful! Just found this video; deeply grateful

  • @nassifchedrawi8133
    @nassifchedrawi8133 4 года назад +3

    My question is on the detail we should go into while explaining the "founders' story" and the team.
    Is the person reviewing my YC application interested in knowing specific details about my story, or should we keep this at a high level? and how impactful are the founder and team backgrounds/story on the overall application?
    Thanks again for the great content!

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  4 года назад +2

      Founder stories are helpful especially if you have overcome adversity. I would focus on things that are unusual or impressive. A good story matters but a concise one is better if you don’t have something novel or different.

    • @nassifchedrawi8133
      @nassifchedrawi8133 4 года назад

      @@GarryTan advice noted and applied. Thank you!

  • @swetayan
    @swetayan 3 года назад

    Wonderful and very simple way to help applicants to understand how to to apply. Thanks Garry.

  • @MateoRattagan
    @MateoRattagan 4 года назад

    Gary, your humility is unreal.
    I know I'm late to this video, but... is your YC application review offer still on the table?

  • @bhatnagarabhiroop
    @bhatnagarabhiroop 5 лет назад

    Thanks for the helpful video Garry! Submitted our application for review!

  • @nitinupadhyay3891
    @nitinupadhyay3891 3 года назад +2

    Who is watching his all videos from starting?

  • @ryanmerket
    @ryanmerket 5 лет назад

    Love this. Thanks for giving back, Garry.

  • @Powaup
    @Powaup 5 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the tips! submitted our company's application

  • @hoanglo7341
    @hoanglo7341 2 года назад

    Thank you so much for the advice
    Not sure if you still offer to review applications, but I've tried my luck anyways by submitting to the form as I see it's still active.

  • @ifea5072
    @ifea5072 4 года назад

    Many thanks Garry! I came across your video not too long ago whilst finalising FaithCircle YC 2021 application.
    I filled the form (I know im soo late :)), thought to try my luck.
    Hopefully you'd get few minutes to take a look. Nonetheless, i'll keep every lesson learnt close to heart - God's blessings always!

  • @aishaibrahimabbas5867
    @aishaibrahimabbas5867 3 года назад

    Hi Garry!I know , a couple of years late for a review but it's worth a shot so I sent you my already submitted 2021 application for a review. Fingers crossed🤞

  • @andu896
    @andu896 5 лет назад

    This is awesome and timely. Thanks Garry!

  • @tellreel5456
    @tellreel5456 5 лет назад +3

    00:40 Garry was a YC partner for 5 years, worked with more than 700 companies
    00:53 tip #1 - show don't tell, why is your solution required, your traction
    01:57 YC looks for large market size, $1B startups
    03:05 tip #2 - don't use buzzwords, use plain English
    05:03 great pitches are simple statements
    05:20 tip #3 - write using the inverted pyramid: conclusion at the beginning then proof
    06:30 Garry is doing a giveaway - reviewing 100 YC applications
    (get key takeaways from timestamp video summaries - TLDW.app your video guide)

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад +1

      TLDW this is so useful. Love it

    • @tellreel5456
      @tellreel5456 5 лет назад

      Garry Tan awesome, we’re excited about tldw.app!

  • @fullsenddd_clipz
    @fullsenddd_clipz Год назад

    this material is GOLDDDDD

  • @iamhammadnasir
    @iamhammadnasir 2 года назад

    Congratulations, you are the CEO now!

  • @artfuldoc
    @artfuldoc 5 лет назад +2

    Thank you so much for this Garry! I hope this channel turns into the RUclips equivalent of PG's essays. All the videos have been gold for us at MyJeeni Health. Not sure we made the first 100, submitted 2 days ago, are you done reviewing the first 100?

  • @richardantao3249
    @richardantao3249 3 года назад

    Applied for the W22 batch... Wish you were reviewing applications now Garry!

  • @mxmoritz
    @mxmoritz 5 лет назад +3

    [Laughs]
    "I'm here" [from the off]
    That's a powerful intro

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад +3

      Oh I was in a rush. I have to pay $10 to a late jar for every minute I am late.

    • @mxmoritz
      @mxmoritz 5 лет назад

      @@GarryTan the result is worth the 20 bucks :)

  • @youngk4u
    @youngk4u 5 лет назад

    Submitted! Thank you Garry!

  • @anthonyleonard
    @anthonyleonard 3 года назад

    Wow! Thank you for the tips and offer!

  • @priceeagle9898
    @priceeagle9898 4 года назад

    Clear, to the point and simple. That's how I summarise your video. Great message . We are from India. Do we have to register our company in USA/Cayman first before we apply for Y Combinator?

  • @edgeorge6243
    @edgeorge6243 Год назад +1

    You should update the title of this video Mr. YC's president!

  • @franktfrisby
    @franktfrisby 2 года назад

    Thank you for this video. I appreciate the points.

  • @MGamalNasser
    @MGamalNasser 4 года назад +1

    Superb amazing content! Lovely. Thank you for your advice.

  • @mora8535
    @mora8535 4 года назад +2

    Amazing tips!! You rock 😘

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  4 года назад

      Thank you so much!!

  • @harshadmanglani1309
    @harshadmanglani1309 4 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for doing this Garry! This is amazing! I wanted to ask you if you were you still checking out the responses on your google form? Thanks again. :)

  • @PedroTeixeira
    @PedroTeixeira 5 лет назад

    Hi Garry, we didn't see this in time and sent along our submission after the deadline just for general feedback. Any chance you'll get to additional submissions at this point? Thanks!

  • @user-jt9fi2kl6n
    @user-jt9fi2kl6n 4 года назад

    :o I'm too late for the giveaway. I love my idea so much! I am making final edits and going to review it again in a few days with a new mindset. Wish me luck!

  • @NikKotov
    @NikKotov 4 года назад

    Awesome video. Thanks for the awesome insight!

  • @kenmooso
    @kenmooso 5 лет назад

    Hope our application made it. Just sent it over

  • @davidignatiusanyaeche8101
    @davidignatiusanyaeche8101 3 года назад

    The music is 🔥

  • @SergeyZarin
    @SergeyZarin 2 года назад

    Thank you!

  • @arnavbathla145
    @arnavbathla145 3 года назад

    Amazing video as always.
    I am 10x more motivated to work after watching garry’s videos!
    Can I still send in my application for you to review by any chance?

  • @navedansari2728
    @navedansari2728 3 года назад

    Thanks for the info

  • @banditgym4852
    @banditgym4852 4 года назад

    I’m looking through the initialized() website but can’t seem to find anything in regards to applying? Help please 🙏

  • @victorernestorodriguez
    @victorernestorodriguez 5 лет назад

    I hope you end being as good as you seem. "Too good to be true " doesn't seem to apply to you. You are a fucking angel.

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад

      Just trying to help!

  • @juanelizondo817
    @juanelizondo817 3 года назад

    Thanks for the tips! Are you still reviewing YC Apps?

  • @Samridi123
    @Samridi123 2 года назад

    Thanks

  • @vabi2wincastle
    @vabi2wincastle 4 года назад

    Man, I'm feeling so bad for knowing you this late.
    This greatly inspires usenthusiasts to think and execute cautiously the aspect of fabricating AI to real world entities which would greatly help people.
    Love from India. ❤️

  • @matiaskamula1253
    @matiaskamula1253 5 лет назад +1

    Awesome stuff, thanks:)

  • @saminehadadi7633
    @saminehadadi7633 2 года назад

    Thanks Garry for your great content. I was wondering if I still have a chance to get your feedback on our application?

  • @johnathanchen3943
    @johnathanchen3943 5 лет назад +1

    Great video!

  • @HalfSandwich
    @HalfSandwich 4 года назад

    Hey Garry, awesome advice! Are you reviewing applications for YC Summer 2020?

  • @meditationstation3354
    @meditationstation3354 2 года назад

    Hi Garry, great vid. Would you possibly still be reviewing applications through the google docs link? I know it's been awhile now since this video was posted, but the link is still active and was just wondering. Thanks.

  • @ortalboher3106
    @ortalboher3106 Год назад

    Hi Garry, May I ask if you still answering to the presentations sent via google form?

  • @DemyanLavor
    @DemyanLavor 3 года назад

    I need it ASAP 💯❤️❤️❤️

  • @SrikantShirisha
    @SrikantShirisha 2 года назад

    Hi Garry. Is the link still working? I am applying to YC for W23 and it would be awesome if I can get some valuable advice from you.

  • @efficientinc.519
    @efficientinc.519 5 лет назад +1

    This video = efficient.

  • @jukebox1794
    @jukebox1794 4 года назад +1

    damn garry, i want to really know why a tech-centric guy is going for the mechanical speedy as your daily driver? awesome drip.

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  4 года назад

      Moon watch 👌

    • @jukebox1794
      @jukebox1794 4 года назад

      @@GarryTan do you like the new snoopy?

  • @AccelerList
    @AccelerList 5 лет назад

    Amazing tips....

  • @victoriayang5902
    @victoriayang5902 4 года назад

    Hi Gary! I came across this video because I have been binge watching all your binge-worthy videos. Are you are able to offer this for the winter 2020 applications?

  • @chuhaoliu5050
    @chuhaoliu5050 Год назад

    Does form still work now😮 going to apply for YC this month

  • @weedsociety3275
    @weedsociety3275 2 года назад

    Hey Are you still doing the application review? I just submitted mine just in case

  • @yipman214
    @yipman214 2 года назад

    Hi. Are you still reviewing applications?

  • @rahulvyas5485
    @rahulvyas5485 4 года назад

    But when we start telling story through pitch we miss out figures and if we focus on figures then we miss out story......all the time this is happening

  • @harshamo
    @harshamo 5 лет назад

    Hi Garry. I have 2 YC applications and both about the same company, but different application of the product since we pivoted. Can I have both in the document for your review?

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад +2

      Sure submit both!

  • @Sometyme
    @Sometyme Месяц назад

    HI
    I have apply for YC F24 batch, I have share my application. Kindly review.

  • @ayushverma2172
    @ayushverma2172 3 года назад

    What if I only have an idea and yet not started , can I apply to YC with just an idea ?

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  3 года назад +1

      Yes, but without some kind of customer validation or a complete team it isn't very high likelihood of success.

    • @ayushverma2172
      @ayushverma2172 3 года назад

      Thanks sir , well how many traction is required to get the seed investment, I'm a student and my savings are not that much. Hope u can understand.

    • @ayushverma2172
      @ayushverma2172 3 года назад

      And sir can you give me your gmail-id , I am working on B2B2C idea connecting manufacturers 2 retailers and retailers 2 customers. I want to seek your smart advice in this sector.

  • @SuperMemoi
    @SuperMemoi 2 года назад

    This offer still valid?

  • @khouse1554
    @khouse1554 5 лет назад +1

    Have you invested in biotech?

    • @GarryTan
      @GarryTan  5 лет назад

      We do a lot with digital health but haven’t done straight biotech or drug discovery without a software angle.

    • @khouse1554
      @khouse1554 5 лет назад

      @@GarryTan ah ok, well if you ever think of getting into the space of therapeutics and diagnostics there are numerous opportunities (especially with curative and regenerative medicines such as gene/cell therapies) and I would be the first to try and pitch ;p im applying for YC this batch for life sciences, your video still is very helpful so thank you for that and will follow your channel

  • @mmennote
    @mmennote 4 года назад

    Hi Garry, if possible will you review my app for 2020? I just sent it to the link today. Thank you!!

  • @_orangutan
    @_orangutan Год назад

    0:11 I have that same clock.

  • @KaseyGoosen-s2f
    @KaseyGoosen-s2f Месяц назад

    Nella Hill

  • @Nadeemkhan_vlog
    @Nadeemkhan_vlog 2 года назад

    How can I connect & chat with you garry

  • @kumarthangudu3061
    @kumarthangudu3061 5 лет назад

    700+ companies, good lord.

  • @aasiyahadams9536
    @aasiyahadams9536 3 года назад

    Hi Gary will you have a look at my application please.

  • @raulcame3880
    @raulcame3880 3 года назад

    In other words, less is better.

  • @gen-z-india
    @gen-z-india Месяц назад

    ha ha .. three easy things. to me sound the most difficult.

  • @TopGrowthMarketing
    @TopGrowthMarketing 5 лет назад

    You should check out vyper.io to run your giveaway. Can get people to submit applications as well as follow and share your youtube channel.
    Love the YC tips!
    Do you think YC is only looking for$100M+ companies? Isn't that hard to gauge from a startup only just launching?

  • @abhiram118
    @abhiram118 3 года назад

    i have messaged you in IG @me_myself_earth i have a question on my start up so you said you will check IG messages for any questions soo.

  • @surajmalusare1940
    @surajmalusare1940 4 года назад

    Sir can you give your mail id to contact sir plz and love and respect from India🙏

  • @MohajerShekamoo
    @MohajerShekamoo 2 года назад

    please change your music on videos. It's scary .. and depressing

  • @theshiftmastersessions
    @theshiftmastersessions Год назад

    SEXIEST MAN ALIVE nominee: Garry Tan!
    Your passion for helping others be successful by sharing all you have learned is pure GOLD. As a relationship expert, these genuine qualities you possess is what every great partner seeks. Thank you for serving as an example for what "good human" looks like. You're the best! x